Epilepsy and seizures in people with Down syndrome

Seizures are more common in people with Down syndrome than in the general population. In people with Down syndrome, epilepsy has 2 peaks of onset: the first decade of life, and after the age of 40 years (eg late onset myoclonic epilepsy in Down syndrome [LOMEDS]). Seizures that occur for the first time in late adulthood often relate to the development of Alzheimer disease.

Specialist referral is recommended for epilepsy and seizures.

For more advice, see Epilepsy and seizures in people with developmental disability.