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Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Sensory modulation disorders in childhood epilepsy

Authors: Jolien S. van Campen, Floor E. Jansen, Nienke J. Kleinrensink, Marian Joëls, Kees PJ Braun, Hilgo Bruining

Published in: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Altered sensory sensitivity is generally linked to seizure-susceptibility in childhood epilepsy but may also be associated to the highly prevalent problems in behavioral adaptation. This association is further suggested by the frequent overlap of childhood epilepsy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conditions in which altered behavioral responses to sensory stimuli have been firmly established. A continuum of sensory processing defects due to imbalanced neuronal inhibition and excitation across these disorders has been hypothesizedthat may lead to common symptoms of inadequate modulation of behavioral responses to sensory stimuli. Here, we investigated the prevalence of sensory modulation disorders among children with epilepsy and their relation with symptomatology of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods

We used the Sensory Profile questionnaire to assess behavioral responses to sensory stimuli and categorize sensory modulation disorders in children with active epilepsy (aged 4–17 years). We related these outcomes to epilepsy characteristics and tested their association with comorbid symptoms of ASD (Social Responsiveness Scale) and ADHD (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire).

Results

Sensory modulation disorders were reported in 49 % of the 158 children. Children with epilepsy reported increased behavioral responses associated with sensory “sensitivity,” “sensory avoidance,” and “poor registration” but not “sensory seeking.” Comorbidity of ASD and ADHD was associated with more severe sensory modulation problems, although 27 % of typically developing children with epilepsy also reported a sensory modulation disorder.

Conclusions

Sensory modulation disorders are an under-recognized problem in children with epilepsy. The extent of the modulation difficulties indicates a substantial burden on daily functioning and may explain an important part of the behavioral distress associated with childhood epilepsy.
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Metadata
Title
Sensory modulation disorders in childhood epilepsy
Authors
Jolien S. van Campen
Floor E. Jansen
Nienke J. Kleinrensink
Marian Joëls
Kees PJ Braun
Hilgo Bruining
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1866-1947
Electronic ISSN: 1866-1955
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-015-9130-9

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