Seizures in fragile X syndrome: characteristics and comorbid diagnoses

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2010 Nov;115(6):461-72. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-115.6.461.

Abstract

A national survey of caregivers of individuals with fragile X syndrome addressed characteristics of epilepsy and co-occurring conditions. Of the 1,394 individuals (1,090 males and 304 females) with the full mutation, 14% of males and 6% of females reported seizures. Seizures were more often partial, began between ages 4 and 10 years, and were infrequent and easily treated. Similar characteristics and patterns were seen in medical chart review data from a large clinic cohort of patients with fragile X syndrome. National survey data showed that autism was significantly associated with seizures as a co-occurring condition. Although seizures in fragile X syndrome are typically not severe and easily treated with medications, they appear to be associated with developmental–behavioral comorbidity that impacts function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Fragile X Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Health Surveys / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Physicians
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants