Epilepsy is a heterogeneous collection of neurological conditions and syndromes characterized by recurrent, unprovoked, paroxysmal seizure activity. It is estimated that 10.5 million children under 15 years have active epilepsy, representing about 25% of the global epilepsy population. Of the 3.5 million people who develop epilepsy annually, 40%…

Various aspects of epilepsy were studied in 78 children with mental retardation from 1989-1994. Epilepsy remained uncontrolled in 28% of cases, two-year remission was achieved by 26 percent, and mortality was 12% during the study period. Associated cerebral palsy was the most important single risk factor for severe epilepsy. (Author/CR)

Medical records of residents of a facility for persons with mental retardation from January 1, 1978, through December 31, 1997, were analyzed to identify incidence of sudden unexpected death for 180 individuals with and 125 without comorbid epilepsy. Eighty deaths were identified, with 55 occurring in those with epilepsy. (Contains 15 references.)…