Comorbidities Affecting Children with Epilepsy – Not a Novel Entity but New Insights Could Improve Holistic Care

Abstract

Children with epilepsy commonly suffer additional and significant neurological co-morbidities. Epilepsy syndromes can be associated with specific cognitive and behavioural phenotypes which can aid diagnosis. Early recognition and intervention of both epilepsy and the associated comorbidities can lead to improved neurocognitive outcomes. Intrinsic connectivity networks are influenced by multiple modalities including the stage of brain maturation in early onset epilepsies and epileptiform activity with resultant impact on neurocognitive function.