The descriptive epidemiology of epilepsy—A review

Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic disease experienced by millions and a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes prevalence and incidence studies of epilepsy that provided a clear definition of epilepsy and could be age-adjusted: requirements if comparisons across studies are to be made. Although few exceptions, age-adjusted prevalence estimates from record-based studies (2.7 to 17.6 per 1000), are lower than those from door-to-door surveys (2.2 to 41.0 per 1000). Age-adjusted incidence ranged from 16 to 51 per 100,000, with one exception in Chile, where incidence was 111 per 100,000. Variation in reported prevalence and incidence may be related to factors such as access to health care, regional environmental exposures, or socioeconomic status. A higher proportion of epilepsy characterized by generalized seizures was reported in most prevalence studies. Epilepsy characterized by partial seizures accounted for 20% to 66% of incident epilepsies. Virtually all prevalence and incidence studies report a preponderance of seizures of unknown cause. Additional prevalence studies are needed in regions where data does not exist, and additional incidence studies in all regions. Interpretation of differences in prevalence and incidence will require understanding of the role of cultural, social and economic factors influencing epilepsy and its care.

The burden of neurological disease in theUnitedStates: A summary report and call to action

“…Epilepsy affects approximately 2.8 million Americans, approaching 1% of the general population, 28 disproportionately affecting the elderly, as well as Blacks, especially black men. 29 Despite its high prevalence, the economic burden of epilepsy has been less well studied than that of other neurological diseases.…”

Nanoparticle transport across the blood brain barrier

“…Recently an excellent descriptive review concerning the epidemiology of epilepsy was published. 11 Several evidences demonstrated that the epileptic seizures alter bloodbrain barrier (BBB) properties and permeability. 31,54,117 Particularly, a recently in vivo study demonstrated the dynamic changes of BBB permeability during epileptogenesis.…”

Epilepsia post ictus.

“…La epilepsia es más común en países en vías de desarrollo (13)(14)(15)(16)(17), con prevalencias estimadas ajustadas a la edad entre 2,7/1000 a 17,6/ 1000 habitantes, y con rangos de incidencia de 16/ 100 000 a 51/ 100 000 habitantes (13). Su mayor incidencia ocurre en los extremos de la vida.…”

“…Su mayor incidencia ocurre en los extremos de la vida. 13,14 Se han reportado variaciones regionales respecto a la prevalencia de epilepsias, así en el año 2000 se reportó en África la prevalencia de epilepsia de diferentes países con una variación entre el 5.2/1,000 a 58/1,000 habitantes; y una incidencia cruda para todos los tipos de epilepsia de 24.5/100,000, y adicionalmente 13.6/100,000 (56%) con epilepsia de localización sintomática (13,15).…”