Bone Mineral Density Screening in People With Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability

Vitamin D measurements and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans are recommended in people with intellectual disability and/or epilepsy in order to prevent bone-linked harm. The prevalence of vitamin D supplementation and bone mineral density screening were evaluated in 68 people with epilepsy and intellectual disability (EID) and 68 matched controls with epilepsy without intellectual disability. DXA scans were not performed in any of the people with EID but were performed in 11.8% of the people in the control group. People with EID had a higher vitamin D supplementation rate and were treated with more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and more AED combinations, including first generation AEDs. Increased awareness of bone health screening in people with epilepsy and especially EID is warranted.