The prevalence and demographic distribution of treated epilepsy: a community-based study in Tasmania, Australia

D’Souza WJ, Quinn SJ, Fryer JL, Taylor BV, Ficker DM, O’Brien TJ, Pearce N, Cook MJ. The prevalence and demographic distribution of treated epilepsy: a community-based study in Tasmania, Australia. Acta Neurol Scand: 2012: 125: 96–104. © 2011 John Wiley lower in women (prevalence ratio 0.92 (95% CI 0.84, 1.00)); greater with increasing age (P < 0.001); similar in the three main geographic regions; and similar with socioeconomic status of postcode of residence. Conclusions – Although our estimates are likely to be affected by access to health services, overall treated epilepsy prevalence of 4.4 per 1000 is similar to previous studies. Our finding of high elderly prevalence has been reported in a few recent studies in developed countries and has important clinical and public health implications in populations with similar aging demographics.