Introduction to epilepsy and seizures in a person with developmental disability

Epilepsy occurs much more frequently in people with developmental disability (18 to 35%) than in the general population (approximately 1%), and is often severe and difficult to control. For many people with developmental disability, the cause of their epilepsy is unknown.

Diagnosing and managing epilepsy in the presence of developmental disability can be challenging. However, the basic principles are the same for all people, and are explained in the Neurology guidelines. This topic describes aspects that are specific to people with developmental disability.