This Article Full Text Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Smith, M. C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Smith, M. C.

NEUROLOGY 2006;67:S52-S55
© 2006 American Academy of Neurology

Neurology supplements are not peer-reviewed. Information contained in Neurology supplements represent the opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views of the American Academy of Neurology, Editor-in-Chief, or Associate Editors of Neurology.

Optimizing therapy of seizures in children and adolescents with developmental disabilities

Michael C. Smith, MD

Rush Epilepsy Center, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Michael C. Smith. Rush Epilepsy Center, Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA, e-mail: msmith{at}rush.edu

Children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and epilepsy are a unique patient population that offers significant challenges. They are more likely to suffer lifelong intractable epilepsy with multiple seizure types than other patients with epilepsy. In addition, these patients often cannot clearly express their complaints about antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects, and the caregiver's role becomes all-important as an advocate for the patient. Finally, behavioral and psychiatric comorbidities are common and need to be considered when choosing an AED in this patient population. Our society will be judged by how we care for the most unfortunate among us.

---

This supplement has been supported through an unrestricted grant from UCB S.A., manufacturers of levetiracetam (Keppra®).

Disclosure: Dr. Smith has received consulting fees from the sponsor of this supplement.

Neurology supplements are not peer-reviewed. Information contained in Neurology supplements represents the opinions of the authors and is not endorsed by nor does it reflect the views of the American Academy of Neurology, Editorial Board, Editor-in-Chief, or Associate Editors of Neurology.