Exploring the evaluation of antiepileptic drug change in people with intellectual disabilities and high-frequency epileptic seizures: seizure control and sustained responsiveness to the environment.

PURPOSE

Optimum antiepilepsy medication should be successful in reducing seizures with minimal adverse effects on the patient's ability to concentrate or general level of awareness. The purpose was to investigate the potential of a method of measuring responsiveness to environmental events as a means of reflecting awareness levels among people with intellectual disabilities undergoing review of medication for high-frequency epileptic seizures.

METHODS

Observations of 22 participants referred to a specialist clinic were conducted three times a month over a 5-month period following the initial baseline measures and clinical intervention. Behavioral responsiveness was measured by calculating the likelihood of appropriate activity occurring given the occurrence of staff interaction. This likelihood was represented by the statistic Yule's Q. Seizure frequency was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Participant responsiveness after drug review was similar to baseline indicating an absence of long-term adverse effects. Participants experienced a significant decrease in seizure frequency.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that drug review led to seizure reduction while behavioral measurement confirmed no loss of responsiveness.