80+ Epilepsy Statistics, Facts & Demographics

10 Key Epilepsy Statistics You Need to Know

Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide.
In the United States, an estimated 3.4 million people have epilepsy.
About 150,000 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed in the US each year.
Epilepsy is more common in low- and middle-income countries.
30-40% of people with epilepsy do not respond to currently available treatments.
Epilepsy is more likely to develop in older adults and young children.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a leading cause of death among people with epilepsy.
The risk of developing epilepsy is higher in people with a family history of the condition.
People with epilepsy have a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders.
The economic burden of epilepsy in the US is estimated to be over $15 billion annually.

How Many People In The World Have Epilepsy?

An estimated 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy.
Epilepsy is more common in low- and middle-income countries, where up to 90% of people with epilepsy may not receive appropriate treatment.
In Africa, the prevalence of epilepsy is as high as 4.5 per 1,000 population.
In Southeast Asia, the prevalence of epilepsy ranges from 3.6 to 7.5 per 1,000 population.
In Europe and North America, the prevalence of epilepsy is around 5 to 10 per 1,000 population.

How Many People In The U.S. Have Epilepsy?

An estimated 3.4 million people in the United States have epilepsy, which is equivalent to 1.2% of the population.
Approximately 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.
Epilepsy affects people of all ages, but it is more likely to develop in young children and older adults.
Among children under the age of 15, an estimated 470,000 have epilepsy.

What Percentage of Population Have Epilepsy?

The percentage of the population with epilepsy varies by country, but on average it affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide.
In the United States, an estimated 1.2% of the population has epilepsy.
In low- and middle-income countries, where access to proper medical care may be limited, the percentage of people with epilepsy can be as high as 2%.
In some African countries, such as Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, prevalence rates of epilepsy have been reported as high as 5%.
In some European countries like Sweden, the prevalence rate is lower at around 0.6%.

Who is Mostly Affected by Epilepsy?

Epilepsy can affect people of all ages, but it is more likely to develop in young children and older adults.
Among children under the age of 15, an estimated 470,000 have epilepsy.

How Rare is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is not a rare condition, as it affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide.
In the United States, an estimated 1.2% of the population has epilepsy.
In some European countries like Sweden, the prevalence rate is lower at around 0.6%.
In low- and middle-income countries, where access to proper medical care may be limited, the percentage of people with epilepsy can be as high as 2%.
In some African countries, such as Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, prevalence rates of epilepsy have been reported as high as 5%.

When is Epilepsy Most Common?

Epilepsy can develop at any age, but it is more likely to start in childhood or after the age of 60.
In children under the age of 15, the incidence of epilepsy is approximately 0.6%.
Among adults over the age of 60, the incidence of epilepsy is approximately 1.3%.

Causes of Epilepsy

In about 70% of cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown.
Brain injury or trauma is responsible for approximately 20% of epilepsy cases.
Genetic factors are responsible for about 5-10% of epilepsy cases.
Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis can lead to epilepsy in about 4% of cases.
Brain tumors account for less than 1% of epilepsy cases.

Generalized Seizures Statistics

Approximately 30% of people with epilepsy have generalized seizures.
Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, account for about 10% of all epilepsy cases.
Tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, are the most common type of generalized seizure and account for about 60% of all epilepsy cases.

Focal Seizures Statistics

Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, account for approximately 60% of all epilepsy cases.
Simple focal seizures, which do not cause loss of consciousness, account for about 40% of focal seizure cases.
Complex focal seizures, which affect consciousness and memory, account for the remaining 60% of focal seizure cases.
Secondary generalized seizures can occur in up to 30% of people with focal seizures.

Epilepsy and Mortality

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a leading cause of death among people with epilepsy, accounting for 34% of all deaths.
The risk of premature mortality is higher in people with epilepsy than in the general population.
People with epilepsy are two to three times more likely to die prematurely than those without the condition.
The most common causes of death in people with epilepsy are accidents, suicide, and cardiovascular disease.
Among people with epilepsy who die from accidents, drowning is the most common cause.
The risk of mortality is highest among people with poorly controlled seizures and those who have other underlying health conditions.

Epilepsy Prevalence By Race

Among non-Hispanic whites, the prevalence of epilepsy is 0.8%.
Among non-Hispanic blacks, the prevalence of epilepsy is 1.3%.
Among Hispanics, the prevalence of epilepsy is 1.0%.
Among American Indians/Alaska Natives, the prevalence of epilepsy is 1.2%.
Among Asians/Pacific Islanders, the prevalence of epilepsy is 0.6%.

Epilepsy Prevalence By Age

Epilepsy can occur at any age, but it is more likely to develop in children and older adults.
Among children under the age of 15, an estimated 470,000 have epilepsy, which represents about 0.6% of this age group.
In people aged 60 and above, the incidence of epilepsy is approximately 1.3%.
The highest incidence rate is found in people over the age of 80, where it can reach up to 4%.
For people between the ages of 16 and 59, the incidence rate is around 0.5%.

Epilepsy Prevalence By Gender

In the United States, the prevalence of epilepsy is slightly higher in males than females.
Approximately 1.5 million men and 1.9 million women have epilepsy in the US.
Among children under the age of 15, epilepsy affects slightly more boys than girls.
In adults over the age of 60, epilepsy affects slightly more women than men.

Epilepsy Prevalence By Ethnicity

Among non-Hispanic whites, the prevalence of epilepsy is 0.8%.
Among non-Hispanic blacks, the prevalence of epilepsy is 1.3%.
Among Hispanics, the prevalence of epilepsy is 1.0%.
Among American Indians/Alaska Natives, the prevalence of epilepsy is 1.2%.
Among Asians/Pacific Islanders, the prevalence of epilepsy is 0.6%.

The Social and Economic Costs of Epilepsy on Families

In the United States, the indirect costs of epilepsy, such as lost productivity and earnings, are estimated to be over $10 billion annually.
In a study of parents of children with epilepsy, 44% reported a negative impact on their employment status due to caregiving responsibilities.
About 30% of parents reported that they experienced financial difficulties related to their child's epilepsy care.

The Prevalence of Epilepsy in Developing Countries

Epilepsy is more common in low- and middle-income countries, where up to 90% of people with epilepsy may not receive appropriate treatment.
In Africa, the prevalence of epilepsy is as high as 4.5 per 1,000 population.
In Southeast Asia, the prevalence of epilepsy ranges from 3.6 to 7.5 per 1,000 population.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, the prevalence of epilepsy is estimated to be around 8 per 1,000 population.

Tests and Diagnosis of Epilepsy

EEG (electroencephalogram) is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy, with a success rate of 50-60%.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can detect abnormalities in the brain that may be causing seizures, with a success rate of 75%.

Treatment for Epilepsy

Approximately 70% of people with epilepsy can control their seizures with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
For the remaining 30%, other treatment options, such as surgery or implantable devices, may be considered.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an implantable device that can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in some people with epilepsy. It has been shown to be effective in about 40% of cases.
The ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, has been shown to be effective in reducing seizure frequency in some children with epilepsy. It has a success rate of around 50%.

Costs of Epilepsy in the U.S.

The direct medical costs of epilepsy are estimated to be over $9 billion annually in the United States.
Indirect costs such as lost productivity and earnings due to seizures and related disabilities add an additional $16.8 billion annually.
On average, people with epilepsy have healthcare costs that are 2 to 3 times higher than those without epilepsy.
Approximately 20% of people with epilepsy have annual healthcare costs exceeding $10,000, compared to only 4% of people without epilepsy.

FAQs

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Seizures occur when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, which can cause changes in behavior, movements, and consciousness.

Can epilepsy be cured?

While there is currently no cure for epilepsy, many people with the condition are able to manage their seizures with medication or other treatments. In some cases, surgery may be an option to remove the part of the brain that is causing seizures.

Are all seizures related to epilepsy?

No, not all seizures are related to epilepsy. Other conditions, such as high fever or low blood sugar, can also cause seizures. It's important to see a doctor if you experience any type of seizure.

Is it safe for people with epilepsy to drive?

In most cases, people with epilepsy are able to drive safely if their seizures are well-controlled and they meet certain requirements set by their state's Department of Motor Vehicles. However, it's important to talk to your doctor and follow their advice about driving safety.

Can stress trigger seizures?

Stress can be a trigger for seizures in some people with epilepsy. It's important to manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Can diet affect epilepsy?

There is some evidence that certain diets, such as the ketogenic diet (a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet), may help reduce seizure frequency in some people with epilepsy. However, it's important to talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.

Can women with epilepsy have children?

Yes, women with epilepsy can have children. However, it's important for them to work closely with their doctors during pregnancy and seek medical advice before starting or stopping any medications.

How can I support someone with epilepsy?

One way you can support someone with epilepsy is by learning more about the condition and how it affects them. You can also help them manage their seizures by being aware of any triggers they may have and knowing how to respond if they have a seizure.

Finally, it's important to be patient and understanding, as people with epilepsy may experience stigma and discrimination.

Can epileptics have normal lives?

Absolutely! People with epilepsy can live normal lives with proper treatment and management of their condition. In fact, many are able to control their seizures with medication and lead fulfilling lives.

However, it's important for individuals with epilepsy to take precautions, such as avoiding seizure triggers, taking medication as prescribed, and informing loved ones about their condition. While some may need to make lifestyle adjustments, it doesn't mean they can't lead normal lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, epilepsy affects a significant portion of the global population and is a condition that can impact people of all ages, races, and genders. While there is no cure for epilepsy, many people with the condition are able to manage their seizures through medication or other treatments.

It's important for those with epilepsy to work closely with their doctors to find the best treatment plan for them. Additionally, it's important for society as a whole to be understanding and supportive of those with epilepsy, as they may experience stigma and discrimination.

By educating ourselves about epilepsy and supporting those who have it, we can help create a more inclusive and compassionate world.