Epilepsy and Associated Conditions

If epilepsy is not the only condition you are living with, you’re not alone. It’s very common to be diagnosed with one or more other conditions, too. This is sometimes known as “comorbidity”. It means that having epilepsy makes it more likely that you’ll be affected by another diagnosis.

What conditions are associated with epilepsy?

There are many conditions that are associated with epilepsy. They include:

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Arthritis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Behavioural problems
  • Dementia
  • Developmental Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia)
  • Educational difficulties
  • Heart disease
  • Language and communication difficulties
  • Migraine
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Stroke

These associated conditions can be

  • medical conditions like migraine
  • psychiatric problems such as anxiety or depression
  • cognitive conditions such as learning difficulties.

Everyone is affected differently, so two people with epilepsy might have completely different associated conditions.

 

How common are associated conditions for people with epilepsy?

 

The risk factors are high. In fact, one scientific paper from 2003 states that: “nearly every patient with epilepsy will experience a comorbid medical condition at some point during the course of treatment

Another study from 2016 suggests that if you have epilepsy, you’re up to eight times more likely to be affected by an associated condition than the average person.

 

Why do comorbidities happen in epilepsy?

 

The short answer? It’s complicated! But there are four types of relationship that can explain it.  

Sometimes, another condition may cause epilepsy. For example, if you have had a stroke, you may go on to develop epilepsy as a result.

Sometimes, the thing that caused epilepsy is also causing the associated condition. For example, a head injury could lead to migraine or stroke, as well as causing epilepsy.

Some conditions may happen as a result of having epilepsy, or having treatment for epilepsy. For example, having seizures may put you at a higher risk of having heart disease.

Some associated conditions just seem to be more likely in people with epilepsy – and epilepsy is more likely if you have these conditions. Scientists call these “complex multifactorial reasons”. They’re right – it is complex, and we don’t always understand why they happen together.

On top of this, of course it’s possible to develop another condition just by chance – like anyone else. In these cases, it’s just an unlucky coincidence.

 

How do associated conditions affect epilepsy management?

 

Having more than one condition makes your medical treatment more complicated. So it’s really important that you are screened for other associated conditions, so doctors can make a plan to help you manage your epilepsy as well any other diagnoses you may have.

When treating your epilepsy, your doctors will have to consider how any medication you are taking will affect all the conditions you have. And if you have a condition that isn’t neurological, you might need to see more than one specialist.

 

Where can I get more support?

 

Having epilepsy and other associated conditions can be tough. And you and your family might need extra help and support. The Hub is your place to chat about anything epilepsy-related, with others who are going through it too. Or visit our Mental Health Wellbeing Space for tips and coping strategies on living with epilepsy. Still need help? Reach out to us, and we’ll get back to you by the next working day.

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