Considerations for ADHD in the child with epilepsy and the child with migraine

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbid condition in children with epilepsy and migraine. Treatment of ADHD in children with epilepsy or migraine is essential but clinicians may overlook symptoms of ADHD and avoid appropriate use of medications that may reduce symptoms of ADHD without compromising treatment of epilepsy or migraine.

Areas covered: PubMed was searched for articles on ADHD and epilepsy or migraine. Key papers were reviewed for additional articles. Areas of interest were: epidemiology, etiological factors, and treatment with emphasis on therapy.

Expert commentary: Stimulant medication, especially methylphenidate, appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of ADHD in children with epilepsy or migraine. Unfortunately, data is limited with very few controlled trials of methylphenidate and very limited information on the use of amphetamines or non-stimulant drugs.

KEYWORDS:

• ADHD
• epilepsy in children
• migraine in children
• stimulant medications
• non-stimulant medications for ADHD

Declaration of interest

DW Dunn has previously received grant support from Eli Lilly and honoraria from the Department for Defense. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.