In general, approximately 40% to 50% of the patients in a typical child neurology practice have epilepsy, 20% have developmental delay or learning or behavioral issues, and 20% have headaches. The remaining patients have unusual conditions, such as metabolic, genetic or syndromic disorders.

The two major syndromes that can translate into learning difficulties are:

• Absence seizures

A child may have absence seizures for some time before an adult notices the seizures, because they are very brief. A decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of this disorder. Teachers may comment about a child's inability to pay attention or that a child is often daydreaming.

Complications can include:

• Learning difficulties
• Behavior problems
• Social isolation

• Attention - deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

It includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

• Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age, however, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms, but they can learn strategies to be successful.
• While treatment will not cure ADHD, it can help treat symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome.