Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease affecting both sexes and all ages with worldwide distribution and peaks in children and the elderly. The pooled incidence of epilepsy is 61.4/100,000/year, with peaks in LMICs; the point prevalence is 6.4/1000 and the lifetime prevalence 7.6/1000. A documented aetiology is present in about one-half of cases. The overall prognosis is mostly favourable, with 55–68% of cases achieving prolonged seizure remission. Mortality ranges from 1 to 8 per 100,000/year, with a standardized mortality ratio of 1.3–6.0. Since 1990, a significant decrease of persisting disability and premature mortality has been observed, while age-standardized prevalence remained stable. Despite the decrease in the burden, epilepsy is still an important cause of disability and mortality. Future epidemiological studies will be affected by the new definition (now including people with a single seizure at high risk of recurrence) and the classification of seizures and epilepsy.