A review of studies suggests that many epileptic children, albeit a minority of all those affected, will have learning and behaviour problems. The severity and frequency of seizures, and the extent of the disruption to the child's routine. The major site of disturbance within the brain. The type of seizure and its duration. The impact of anti epileptic medication.
Boys appear more at risk of secondary problems than girls.
It is noted that these factors can operate in combination or interact such that a negative cycle may be set up. Meanwhile, it is possible that children who are not epileptic may be subject to the impact of such factors as a result of misperception or misdiagnosis. In particular, fainting, sleep disorders, anxiety attacks and breath-holding attacks may be confused with epileptic seizures. Alternatively certain epileptic attacks of a non-convulsive type may not be diagnosed, but may be seen as day dreaming or misbehaviour. The implication again highlights the need for early and accurate diagnosis and, thereby, access to appropriate management.