Mike Kerr

Vee P. Prasher

Like many people with epilepsy and ID, John has comorbid behavior problems. This association is dealt with in detail later in the book. A clear and consistent approach to this is likely to offer much to John in terms of his quality of life. Other psychosocial concerns will need addressing. Emphasizing and explaining the impact of epilepsy and its treatment on John’s cognitive well-being can help reduce anxiety in caregivers and the family and help establish the importance of treatment. Informing people about the negative impact of seizures while trying to minimize the difficulties in social life imposed by people’s fears of seizures can be a difficult challenge. This is most difficult when discussing seizure-related death. However, our position must be to inform patients and families so they can make their life and treatment choices with complete understanding of choices and risks. Delivering a Package of Care Delivering continuity of health care will be a major need throughout John’s lifespan. This continuity should cover seizure assessment and management yet also be responsive to changes in the care environment. A person with ID who is no longer resident in the family home is likely to undergo many changes in staffing over a lifetime. As for many people, their ability to communicate their health needs will be compromised, and these changes in staff can offer considerable risks in chronic disease management.

Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities

This second edition of a successful book provides updated clinical and research knowledge, including information on the licensing of new antiepileptic drugs. All chapters are updated to reflect present accepted practice. New chapters highlighting the importance of the genetic aspects of epilepsy, nonpharmacological treatments, and the impact of epilepsy on families and carers have been added. Ongoing developments in the general population, which will more likely than not become relevant to the intellectually disabled population, are discussed. The impact of epilepsy on the person themselves and their carers is acknowledged, and person-centred treatment programs with a multifaceted team approach are proposed. This book is aimed at physicians and residents in neurology and pediatrics, as well as other practitioners working with this population, such as neuropsychologists. Epilepsy and Intellectual Disabilities, Second Edition is recommended reading for all those caring for this important group of individuals.

Vee P. Prasher

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