Epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Abstract. Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common neurologicdisorders in children, often complicated with other disabilities. Epilepsy(EPI) and learning disability (LD) are most common in these children. EPIcomplicates CP in 14-94%, depending on different type of CP being most frequentin tetraparetic children. Managing EPI in children with CP should followgeneral principles of treating EPI with special attention on possible sideeffects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) or others drugs used for relievingsymptoms or commorbidities. The paper is reviewing current information, dealingwith epidemiology of both disorders, etiology, diagnosis of EPI in CP childrenand discuss general principles of therapy.Key words: Cerebral palsy, epilepsy,learning disability, antiepileptic treatment, side effects, spasticity, qualityof life