Surreal illustration linking learning, neurons, and support for children with neurological differences

Decoding the Link Between Rolandic Epilepsy and Dyslexia: What Parents Need to Know

Q: What is Rolandic Epilepsy (BECTS), and how common is it in children?

Rolandic Epilepsy, also known as Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS), is a relatively common, typically age-related epilepsy in children that often resolves on its own. It's important to note that while the seizures themselves may be benign and self-limiting, there can be associated learning difficulties that need to be addressed. The frequency of this condition underscores the need for awareness and proactive monitoring in children diagnosed with it. Though it is age related, early detection of learning disabilities can mitigate long term challenges.

Q: How does the research suggest Rolandic Epilepsy might be linked to Dyslexia?

A study published in Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, compared children with Rolandic Epilepsy (Group A) to a control group (Group B). It found that 19.4% of children with Rolandic Epilepsy were diagnosed with dyslexia, compared to 0% in the control group. Additionally, 74.2% of children with Rolandic Epilepsy exhibited other learning difficulties, versus 35.5% in the control group. Statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were observed between the groups, suggesting a strong association between Rolandic Epilepsy and learning difficulties, specifically in areas like phonological awareness, writing, reading, arithmetic, and memory. It is important to note that the research doesn't explain the mechanism, it demonstrates there is a link.

Q: If a child has Rolandic Epilepsy, what specific learning areas might be affected?

The research indicated that children with Rolandic Epilepsy may exhibit difficulties in several key areas of cognitive function. Statistically significant differences were observed in tests assessing phonological awareness, writing, reading, arithmetic, and memory when compared to children without the condition. This suggests that Rolandic Epilepsy may impact a range of academic skills, necessitating comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions to address these specific areas of weakness. These deficits could impact academic achievement without specific attention.

Q: What immediate steps should parents take if their child is diagnosed with Rolandic Epilepsy to support their learning?

Following a diagnosis of Rolandic Epilepsy, parents should prioritize proactive measures to support their child's learning. Given the potential for associated learning difficulties, it is crucial to seek comprehensive language and neuropsychological assessments to evaluate cognitive and academic skills. Early intervention, tailored to address specific skill deficits identified through these assessments, can significantly impact a child's academic progress. Collaboration with educators, therapists, and other specialists is essential to create a supportive learning environment and implement effective strategies.

Q: Beyond Dyslexia, what other types of learning challenges are more common in children with Rolandic Epilepsy, and what implications does this have for their educational journey?

While dyslexia is a significant concern, the research indicated that children with Rolandic Epilepsy are also more prone to experiencing other learning difficulties beyond reading and spelling. Specifically, deficits in phonological awareness, writing, arithmetic, and memory were observed. The presence of these varied learning challenges highlights the potential for a more complex impact on a child's educational journey. It underscores the need for holistic assessment, which is evaluating multiple facets of learning, and individualized support plans that address the unique combination of cognitive and academic needs in each child with Rolandic Epilepsy. Overlooking these broader difficulties could hinder overall academic achievement and personal development.

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the connection between a common childhood epilepsy and reading difficulties, and what it means for early intervention."

For many parents, the world of childhood neurological conditions can seem like a maze filled with complex terminology and uncertain paths. Among these conditions, Rolandic Epilepsy (also known as Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes or BECTS) is a relatively common, typically age-related epilepsy that often resolves on its own. However, recent research has shed light on a possible connection between Rolandic Epilepsy and specific learning difficulties, particularly dyslexia, adding another layer of consideration for families navigating this diagnosis.

Dyslexia, a learning disorder primarily affecting reading and spelling abilities, can present significant challenges in a child’s academic journey. Understanding the potential comorbidity of Rolandic Epilepsy and dyslexia is crucial for early identification and intervention, ensuring that children receive the support they need to thrive academically and beyond.

This article aims to break down the findings of a key study investigating the relationship between Rolandic Epilepsy and dyslexia, offering clarity and guidance for parents and caregivers. We'll explore the study's methodology, key findings, and the implications for diagnosis, intervention, and overall support strategies.

Unpacking the Research: Is There a Real Connection Between Rolandic Epilepsy and Dyslexia?

Surreal illustration linking learning, neurons, and support for children with neurological differences

A research study published in the journal Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria sought to investigate the comorbidity between Rolandic Epilepsy and dyslexia. The study compared two groups of children: one group diagnosed with Rolandic Epilepsy (Group A) and a control group of children without the condition (Group B). Both groups underwent comprehensive language and neuropsychological assessments using standardized protocols to evaluate various cognitive and academic skills.

The researchers categorized the findings into three groups: dyslexia, other learning difficulties, and no difficulties. The results revealed a significant difference between the two groups:

Dyslexia Occurrence: 19.4% of children with Rolandic Epilepsy (Group A) were diagnosed with dyslexia, compared to 0% in the control group (Group B).
Other Difficulties: 74.2% of children with Rolandic Epilepsy exhibited other learning difficulties, versus 35.5% in the control group.
Statistically Significant Difference: The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p<0.001), indicating a strong association between Rolandic Epilepsy and learning difficulties.
Specific Skill Deficits: Tests assessing phonological awareness, writing, reading, arithmetic, and memory showed statistically significant differences between the two groups, highlighting specific areas of cognitive function affected in children with Rolandic Epilepsy.

These findings suggest that children with Rolandic Epilepsy are at a higher risk of experiencing dyslexia and other learning difficulties compared to their peers without the condition. The study emphasizes the importance of early assessment and intervention to address these challenges.

What Does This Mean for Parents? Taking Action and Seeking Support

The research highlights the importance of proactive measures to support children diagnosed with Rolandic Epilepsy. While the seizure prognosis for Rolandic Epilepsy is generally favorable, the potential for associated learning difficulties warrants careful monitoring and early intervention. Parents and caregivers can take the following steps:

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/0004-282x20140141, Alternate LINK

Title: Rolandic Epilepsy And Dyslexia

Subject: Neurology

Journal: Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Ecila P. Oliveira, Marina L. Neri, Lívia L. Capelatto, Catarina A. Guimarães, Marilisa M. Guerreiro

Published: 2014-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Rolandic Epilepsy (BECTS), and how common is it in children?

Rolandic Epilepsy, also known as Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS), is a relatively common, typically age-related epilepsy in children that often resolves on its own. It's important to note that while the seizures themselves may be benign and self-limiting, there can be associated learning difficulties that need to be addressed. The frequency of this condition underscores the need for awareness and proactive monitoring in children diagnosed with it. Though it is age related, early detection of learning disabilities can mitigate long term challenges.

How does the research suggest Rolandic Epilepsy might be linked to Dyslexia?

A study published in Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, compared children with Rolandic Epilepsy (Group A) to a control group (Group B). It found that 19.4% of children with Rolandic Epilepsy were diagnosed with dyslexia, compared to 0% in the control group. Additionally, 74.2% of children with Rolandic Epilepsy exhibited other learning difficulties, versus 35.5% in the control group. Statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were observed between the groups, suggesting a strong association between Rolandic Epilepsy and learning difficulties, specifically in areas like phonological awareness, writing, reading, arithmetic, and memory. It is important to note that the research doesn't explain the mechanism, it demonstrates there is a link.

If a child has Rolandic Epilepsy, what specific learning areas might be affected?

The research indicated that children with Rolandic Epilepsy may exhibit difficulties in several key areas of cognitive function. Statistically significant differences were observed in tests assessing phonological awareness, writing, reading, arithmetic, and memory when compared to children without the condition. This suggests that Rolandic Epilepsy may impact a range of academic skills, necessitating comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions to address these specific areas of weakness. These deficits could impact academic achievement without specific attention.

What immediate steps should parents take if their child is diagnosed with Rolandic Epilepsy to support their learning?

Following a diagnosis of Rolandic Epilepsy, parents should prioritize proactive measures to support their child's learning. Given the potential for associated learning difficulties, it is crucial to seek comprehensive language and neuropsychological assessments to evaluate cognitive and academic skills. Early intervention, tailored to address specific skill deficits identified through these assessments, can significantly impact a child's academic progress. Collaboration with educators, therapists, and other specialists is essential to create a supportive learning environment and implement effective strategies.

Beyond Dyslexia, what other types of learning challenges are more common in children with Rolandic Epilepsy, and what implications does this have for their educational journey?

While dyslexia is a significant concern, the research indicated that children with Rolandic Epilepsy are also more prone to experiencing other learning difficulties beyond reading and spelling. Specifically, deficits in phonological awareness, writing, arithmetic, and memory were observed. The presence of these varied learning challenges highlights the potential for a more complex impact on a child's educational journey. It underscores the need for holistic assessment, which is evaluating multiple facets of learning, and individualized support plans that address the unique combination of cognitive and academic needs in each child with Rolandic Epilepsy. Overlooking these broader difficulties could hinder overall academic achievement and personal development.