We studied possible relations between seizures and problem behavior in 3 adults with developmental disabilities. Each person was observed for between 56 and 92 days to record occurrences of seizures and problem behavior. Results of our descriptive analysis indicated an association between seizures and problem behavior for each participant. For…

This review examines clinical aspects of seizures among individuals with Down's syndrome and explores possible mechanisms by which the trisomy 21 brain may generate seizures. Evidence suggests an interplay between pathologically hyperexcitable membrane properties, altered neuronal structure, and abnormal inhibitory neurotransmission. (Author/JDD)

Akathisia, a state of uncontrollable motor restlessness, is a side effect of neuroleptic treatment. The prevalence rate of akathisia in 94 adults with mental retardation was estimated to be 5% in neuroleptic-free subjects, 17% in neuroleptic-maintenance subjects, and 25% in neuroleptic-reduction subjects. Akathisia was also related to dyskinesia…

Neuroleptic-induced akathisia is a relatively common side effect of neuroleptic medication, characterized by a subjective sense of restlessness; the inability to sit still; and sometimes aggression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and suicide. The importance of the diagnosis and treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia in individuals with mental…

This paper describes current neurological knowledge regarding the recognition, diagnosis, and classification of frontal lobe seizures, and then critiques a study by A. Gedye which suggested that self-injury may be involuntary and related to frontal lobe seizure activity. (JDD)

Review of psychiatric hospital discharge summaries for 247 individuals with mental retardation and psychiatric disorders found that 39 had a seizure diagnosis. The only difference between the groups with and without seizures was level of mental retardation. No differences existed concerning length of stay, transfer to state hospital, psychiatric…

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of antipsychotic medication, is reviewed, including analysis of 29 cases in which the condition appeared in individuals with mental retardation. Recommendations about reducing morbidity and mortality in this population are offered. (Author/DB)

Review of the charts of 100 patients with mental retardation and epilepsy revealed that 60 patients were taking 1 antiepileptic drug and 40 were taking 2 or 3 drugs. Most subjects had generalized tonic-clonic seizures, but individuals with profound retardation had relatively more mixed seizures. (Author/JDD)

This study of 40 patients with mental retardation receiving carbamazepine found hyponatremia in only 5 percent of these patients and found a statistically, but not clinically, significant decrease in serum sodium levels in patients receiving anticonvulsant polytherapy. Results support the use of this drug with patients with mental retardation and…

The arm tremor of adults (n=32) diagnosed as having mental retardation and/or tardive dyskinesia was examined through an analysis of the acceleration properties of several arm postures. The degree of arm acceleration was increased in all subjects compared to a control group without mental retardation. Effects of neuroleptic medication were noted.…

This paper responds to a critique (EC 601 489) of a paper on the possible involuntary nature of self-injurious movements in persons with mental retardation, resulting from undiagnosed frontal lobe seizures. The response discusses electroencephalographic techniques, the importance of observable ictal phenomena, the need for other corroborating…

Followup 8 years after reduction of antiepileptic drugs in 50 institutionalized developmentally disabled epileptic patients found recurrence of seizures in 26 patients. Predictors for a seizure-free state off medication included few documented seizures in lifetime, no gross neurological abnormalities, and persistently normal electroencephalograms.…

Five responses to Alvarez (EC 220 238) comment on discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs with mentally retarded patients. (DB)

Antiepileptic drug prescriptions were analyzed for 337 institutionalized individuals with mental retardation, over 54 months. Results indicated decreasing numbers of individuals receiving (1) more than 2 antiepileptic drugs concurrently, and (2) barbiturates. Over 90% of a group undergoing barbiturate taper maintained the same or improved seizure…

This study, involving 90 children with mental retardation and epilepsy, classified and compared level of retardation, neurological findings, and electroencephalograms with the quality of seizure control. No correlation was found between quality of control and any of these parameters. (Author/JDD)