We carried out a pilot study to investigate the prevalence and
treatment pattern of epilepsy associated with intellectual disability in
governmental neurological/psychiatric clinics in Nablus / Palestine. Medical
files of all patients diagnosed with epilepsy in Al-Makhfeh neurology/psychiatry
clinic were investigated. Focus was made on treatment practices among patients
whose files indicated intellectual disability. All data were entered and analyzed
using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Out of one
hundred and thirty four patients, twenty patients (15%) were diagnosed with
intellectual disability. Both combo and mono therapy were practiced among
those patients. Barbiturates were commonly used both in mono or in combo
therapy. Newer agents like vigabatrin, lamotrigene and felbamte were not used.
This pilot study should stimulate health authority in Palestine to implement
rational treatment policies of epilepsy among patients with intellectual disability
given the fact that this group of people do not receive adequate medical and
health attention.
Journal
Title
The Islamic University Journal (Series of Natural Studies and Engineering) Vol.14, No.1, P.183-189, 2006, ISSN 1726-6807