A follow-up study of adults with learning disabilities and epilepsy

A programme to review the drug treatment of 215 adults with epilepsy and le arning disabilities occurred in Leicestershire between 1982 and 1985. In 19 97, a Leicestershire-wide study of epilepsy suffered by adults with learnin g disabilities was undertaken. The study sought information about many aspe cts of the epilepsy including the prescribing of medicines. One hundred and thirty-eight adults were common to both studies. A greater proportion was suffering active epilepsy in 1997 than in 1985. The deterioration in seizur e control occurred despite an increase in polypharmacy, the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs and in some cases increases in dosage.