Epilepsy and learning disorders: Are they related?

Learning disorders are more common in people with epilepsy than in the general population.

There are many reasons why a child with epilepsy might have learning difficulties. Frequent seizures can interfere with learning because the child is either having a seizure or has only partially recovered from a seizure much of the time. In some cases, the child may be having petit mal seizures (absence seizures), which can be subtle. But the frequent small breaks in awareness can definitely affect learning. Epilepsy also can be associated with significant structural brain problems, which may account for the learning disability. In addition, medications used to treat epilepsy have cognitive side effects.

If a child with epilepsy experiences learning difficulties, consult the child's doctor to determine whether a change in medication or other intervention may be helpful.