Non-pharmacological interventions for epilepsy in people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background: Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients remain refractory to drug treatment and continue to experience seizures whilst taking one or more antiepileptic drugs. There are a number of non-pharmacological interventions available to refractory patients which may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to antiepileptic medication. In view of the fact that seizures in intellectually disabled people are often complex and refractory to pharmacological interventions it is evident that good quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of alternatives or adjuncts to pharmacological interventions are needed in this population.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the data available from randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions in patients with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.

Search strategy: We searched The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2006), MEDLINE OVID (1966 to October 2006) and PsychInfo OVID (1806 to October 2006).

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions for people with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities

Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently applied inclusion criteria and extracted data.

Main results: No RCTs were found for this study population.

Authors' conclusions: This review has highlighted the need for well-designed randomised controlled trials to assess the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on seizure and behavioural outcomes in an intellectually disabled epilepsy population.