Epilepsy is a common problem of adults with learning disabilities. Despite
the high prevalence there have been few studies of the epilepsy suffered by
adults with learning disabilities. The findings of a Leicestershire study
are that multiple seizure types are a common presentation, and that for man
y (75%) the seizures remain refractory to treatment. Those who suffer tonic
-clonic seizures are most likely to achieve remission, whereas for those wi
th simple or complex partial seizures the prognosis is poor. For a signific
ant proportion, status epilepticus, emergency admission to hospital and inj
uries occur on a regular basis.