High Costs and Burdens for Families of Children with Epilepsy
Researchers studied the indirect costs and burdens faced by families caring for children with severe epilepsy disorders known as developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEE).
Comorbidities
This hub covers epilepsy comorbidities, which are the other conditions that often show up alongside seizures (like ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and sleep issues). Plain-language research takeaways for families.
What you’ll find in this topic:
- Plain-language summaries of new epilepsy studies
- What the research means for real life
- Practical questions to ask your neurologist
- Related topics you can explore next
Epilepsy Comorbidities: What Families Usually Want to Know
- Why conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems are common
- How meds and seizures can affect mood, attention, and learning
- What to bring up at appointments (and what screening is normal)
- When to involve behavioral health, neuropsychology, or school supports
Common Comorbidity Terms in Plain English
- Neuropsych testing: a detailed profile of learning, attention, memory
- Mood disorder: ongoing depression/anxiety symptoms affecting daily life
- Executive function: planning, starting tasks, organization, impulse control
- Sleep disorder: trouble falling/staying asleep or poor-quality sleep
- Medication side effects: cognitive/mood changes that may be adjustable
Related Topics
Epilepsy Comorbidities FAQ
Are these “separate problems” or part of epilepsy?
Often both. Shared brain networks, stress, sleep disruption, and medication effects can all contribute.
How do we tell side effects from the condition itself?
Track timing: New symptoms after med changes or dose increases may point to side effects.
Should we ask for neuropsych testing?
If school is hard, attention/memory changes, or there’s concern about learning, yes, it can guide supports.
Can treating anxiety/sleep help seizures?
Sometimes. Improving sleep and stress can reduce seizure susceptibility in some people.
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New Approach Targets Gut Health to Help Control Seizures
Researchers are studying a condition called Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder (CDD), which affects children and causes severe epilepsy, developmental delays, and other challenges.
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New Method Detects Seizure Warning Signs in Children
This study focused on finding a way to identify early signs of seizures in children by analyzing their brain activity, specifically through EEG (electroencephalogram) readings.
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Targeting Gut Health May Help Control Seizures in CDD
Researchers are studying a condition called Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder (CDD), which causes severe epilepsy and other developmental issues in children.
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New Method Detects Seizure Warning Signs in Children
This study focused on how to identify early signs of seizures in children by analyzing their brain activity, specifically through EEG (electroencephalogram) readings.
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Focal Epilepsy in Children Linked to Executive Dysfunction
This study looked at children with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a common cause of epilepsy, to understand how it affects their executive function, which includes skills like planning and organizing.
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New Brain Stimulation Method Shows Promise for Neurological Disorders
Researchers studied a new method called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) to see how it can help people with various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Perampanel May Help Control Seizures in Alzheimer’s Patients
Researchers studied the connection between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and epilepsy, focusing on how these two conditions can affect each other.
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Comorbidities | Devices & Neuromodulation | Epilepsy Research Summaries | Genetics | New Studies | Safety & First Aid
New Brain Treatment Uses Sound Waves for Neurological Disorders
Researchers studied a technique called transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS), which is a non-invasive way to stimulate specific areas of the brain using sound waves.
