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Associated Physical Problems of Epilepsy in Intellectual Disabilities

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Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities

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Abstract

Persons with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy will have an increased risk of physical epilepsy-related health issues. In particular, fatal and nonfatal accidental injuries and acute or chronic side effects of antiepileptic medication. This chapter will review sudden unexpected deaths in persons with epilepsy and comment on a number of events which are a cause for concern in this population: burns, drownings, fractures, and head injuries. There is comparatively little research on serious injuries in persons with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy and much must be extrapolated from the general population. Recommendations regarding close supervision and measures for prevention will need to be balanced against the need for individuals to live a full and independent life.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pharma Research Centre, Abton House, Wedal Road, Cardiff, CF14 3QX, UK

    C. L. Morgan BA, MSc

  2. Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK

    J. Lau BMBS, BMedSci

  3. Medical School, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    M. Prasher

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  1. C. L. Morgan BA, MSc
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  2. J. Lau BMBS, BMedSci
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  3. M. Prasher
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. NHS Trust, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Vee P. Prasher

  2. Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom

    Mike Kerr

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Morgan, C.L., Lau, J., Prasher, M. (2016). Associated Physical Problems of Epilepsy in Intellectual Disabilities. In: Prasher, V., Kerr, M. (eds) Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39144-1_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39144-1_12

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