Neuroepidemiological study of childhood epilepsy by application of international classification of epilepsies and epileptic syndromes (ILAE, 1989).

A population-based survey of childhood epilepsy was made in 1975 on the total population of children aged < 10 years living in Okayama Prefecture (n = 2,378 patients). Using the data obtained, we attempted to reclassify the various types of epilepsy according to the international classification (ILAE, 1989). Reclassification was possible in 1,872 (78.7%) of the 2,378 cases. The 1,872 cases consisted of 1,045 (55.8%) with localization-related epilepsies, 824 (44.0%) with generalized epilepsies, and 3 (0.2%) with epilepsies undetermined whether focal or generalized. Classification of the epilepsies in a population-based survey using the international classification involves difficulties, because both clinical and EEG findings are essential. However, if an appropriate area is selected, classification of epilepsies and epileptic syndromes in a population-based survey is possible by referring to all medical records stored at every hospital and practitioner's clinic that administers treatment to patients with epilepsy in the area.