Autism, Epilepsy Connection Explored in Four Studies

Four studies recently presented at the American Epilepsy Society’s Annual Meeting explored the relationship between epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Epilepsy affects nearly 30 percent of all people with ASD; conversely, many people with epilepsy display ASD-like behavior. In the first study, researchers examined video EEG findings and clinical records of 53 children and adults diagnosed with both epilepsy and ASD. During this study, the authors uncovered abnormal video EEG findings in 50 of the 53 records studied. In the second study, researchers investigated the relationship between autism-like behavior and epilepsy associated with maternal infection; previous animal studies have linked epilepsy and autism by showing that immune activation in a pregnant mouse can trigger two immune molecules, exacerbating faulty signal transmission in the hippocampus. In the third study, researchers explored the neurological, physical and behavioral characteristics of patients diagnosed with both ASD, epilepsy and a rare condition known as electrical status epilepticus of slow wave sleep (ESES) that develops in childhood. ESES is marked by neurological/psychological impairment, motor delays, epilepsy and finding electrical status epilepticus during slow wave sleep on EEG. In the fourth study, researchers unveiled a new mouse model of ASD and epilepsy by inbreeding mice that display three behavioral characteristics of ASD, and then provoked an immune response in the newborn mice, showing that a single immune challenge in infancy increases brain excitability and enhances seizure susceptibility. To read more about these studies, click here.