Prevalence and patterns of anti ‐epileptic medication prescribing in the treatment of epilepsy in older adults with intellectual disabilities

ConclusionsPrevalence of epilepsy was high among older people with ID, and half were exposed to two or more AEDs. Despite the use of AED therapy, over half had seizures in the previous 2 years. As the primary goals of optimal AED treatment are to achieve seizure freedom without unacceptable adverse effects, this was not achievable for many older patients with ID and epilepsy. Our findings indicated that people with ID and epilepsy were often exposed to psychotropic medications that may lower the seizure threshold. Regular review of epilepsy and medicines (including medicines that may interact with AEDs or lower the seizure threshold) by multidisciplinary teams working to agreed standards may improve quality of prescribing. Improved exchange of information and coordination of care between specialists and primary care practitioners in line with expert consensus recommendations could bring substantial benefit.

Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research - January 5, 2018 Category: Disability Authors: M. O'Dwyer, J. Peklar, N. Mulryan, P. McCallion, M. McCarron, M. C. Henman Tags: Original Manuscript Source Type: research