Epilepsy
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder where there are electrical abnormalities in the brain. This can result in a person experiencing seizures. Epilepsy occurs at a higher rate in those with lower cognitive skills including both ASD and non-ASD developmental disorders.1
Epilepsy and ASD
Since a large number of genes that confer increased risk for ASD play a part in synaptic development, it is not surprising that epilepsy may occur at higher rates in thsi popution since epielpsy can also arise because of defects in ion channels or from changes in cell migration during cortical or hippocampal morphogenesis.2
A meta-analysis has identified the anterior insula (involved in interoceptive, affective, and empathic processes) as a common area of hypoactivity in those with autism. This also helps explain impairments in motor development, which may affect the acquisition of gestures important for socialization and communication.1
Treatment
Epilepsy is often treated with anti-epileptic drugs which usually work by suppressing electrical interictal discharges in the brain.
Citations
1. Coury D.Medical treatment of autism spectrum disorders.Curr Opin Neurol. 2010 Apr;23(2):131-6. PMID 20087181
2. Mitchell KJ. The genetics of neurodevelopmental disease.Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2010 Sep 8. PMID 20832285
