Z Kurtz1, P Tookey, E Ross. 1. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London Medical School.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of epilepsy during childhood and early adult life in England, Scotland, and Wales. DESIGN: Prospective study of 17,414 children born in England, Scotland, and Wales between 3 and 9 March 1958, followed up at 7, 11, 16, and 23 years of age, with a review of those with epilepsy at age 28. SUBJECTS: People with epilepsy developing at or before age 23. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The age specific incidence, cumulative incidence, and prevalence of epilepsy. RESULTS: 124 young people had a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy during their first 23 years (cumulative incidence 8.4 per 1000; 95% confidence interval 6.8 to 10.0). 6 had died by age 23.46 (37%) had neurological impairment or another major health problem in addition to epilepsy. The prevalence of active epilepsy at age 23 was 6.3 per 1000 (4.9 to 7.7). CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of seizure disorders is included under the term epilepsy. A third of cases had generalised seizures. In only a quarter was the onset of seizures attributed to a specific cause. Children with additional health problems were more likely to continue to have seizures in early adult life than those with epilepsy alone. 1 in 8 were prescribed drug treatment for 6 years or more after their last seizure. All deaths occurred in young adults over the age of 16.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of epilepsy during childhood and early adult life in England, Scotland, and Wales. DESIGN: Prospective study of 17,414 children born in England, Scotland, and Wales between 3 and 9 March 1958, followed up at 7, 11, 16, and 23 years of age, with a review of those with epilepsy at age 28. SUBJECTS:People with epilepsy developing at or before age 23. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The age specific incidence, cumulative incidence, and prevalence of epilepsy. RESULTS: 124 young people had a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy during their first 23 years (cumulative incidence 8.4 per 1000; 95% confidence interval 6.8 to 10.0). 6 had died by age 23.46 (37%) had neurological impairment or another major health problem in addition to epilepsy. The prevalence of active epilepsy at age 23 was 6.3 per 1000 (4.9 to 7.7). CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of seizure disorders is included under the term epilepsy. A third of cases had generalised seizures. In only a quarter was the onset of seizures attributed to a specific cause. Children with additional health problems were more likely to continue to have seizures in early adult life than those with epilepsy alone. 1 in 8 were prescribed drug treatment for 6 years or more after their last seizure. All deaths occurred in young adults over the age of 16.
Authors: Irene Knuesel; Laurie Chicha; Markus Britschgi; Scott A Schobel; Michael Bodmer; Jessica A Hellings; Stephen Toovey; Eric P Prinssen Journal: Nat Rev Neurol Date: 2014-10-14 Impact factor: 42.937
Authors: Patrick F Bolton; Iris Carcani-Rathwell; Jane Hutton; Sue Goode; Patricia Howlin; Michael Rutter Journal: Br J Psychiatry Date: 2011-04 Impact factor: 9.319