The Epidemiology of the Epilepsies: Future Directions

The Epidemiology of the Epilepsies: Future Directions Epidemiology can provide understanding about the incidence, prevalence, associated mortality, natural history, and potential risk factors for the epilepsies.It can also be used to assist in planning health services for people with epilepsy.Several problems exist in the interpretation of the available data, in part due to methodological problems (1-3).We address some of these issues and highlight areas in which future epidemiological research is required. PREVALENCEMany studies have been made of the prevalence of epilepsy in diverse settings (4-14).Current data indicate that the prevalence of active epilepsy ranges from 4-10 in 1,000 (2.3).Much of the variation in prevalence is explained by differences in the methodology used to assess it.A few studies, primarily conducted in the developing world have shown prevalence rates above this range (15-18).These have usually been small studies from isolated geographic areas where unique genetic or environmental factors may be important (3).