Living environment of persons with severe epilepsy and intellectual disability: a prospective study.

We studied a population with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy and analyzed aspects of the living environment. Using an epilepsy impact score (EPIEK, the Epilepsy Impact Scale Kempenhaeghe), we found that epilepsy is more severe in younger persons than in older persons until about age 60 years. Individuals with more adaptive behavior had less severe epilepsy. Compared with persons with ID, the subjects in this study had fewer sensory problems and many more mobility problems, and more often saw a general practitioner. We concluded that people with severe epilepsy and ID have, in some ways, the same needs as people with only ID, and yet, in other ways (development of adaptive skills and aspects of living environment), distinctly different needs.

Epilepsy, intellectual disability, and living environment: a critical review.

Epilepsy occurs at a higher incidence and is more prevalent in people with an intellectual disability than in the general population. Nonetheless, we have insufficient knowledge of the extra needs of people with epilepsy and intellectual disability, of their families, and of the living environment. The lack of information about specific needs of the living environment may, in particular, be important. A Medline search revealed that scant attention has been paid to the specific needs for patients with epilepsy and intellectual disability, and only a few studies have focused specifically on this topic. The majority of studies have been focused on medical treatment issues and the organization and availability of health and social services. There is an indication that people with epilepsy and intellectual disability lack skills training appropriate to their intellectual potential. And although several reviews have emphasized the need for information on living environment and quality of life, we did not find such studies in our search.