Between 2010 and 2015, the number of adults with active epilepsy rose from 2.3 million to 3 million, according to the CDC. The number of children with epilepsy rose from 450,000 to 470,000.
The increases are likely due to population growth, the CDC says, or other unknown factors, such as an increased willingness to disclose. However, most states do not have data on epilepsy prevalence. This is the first time estimates have been modeled for every state. Moreover, epilepsy has been assessed only intermittently in population surveys. Before 2010, the last national estimates were based on 1986-1990 data.
Obviously, epilepsy is not rare. It also is a serious public health issue. People with epilepsy often have other conditions, such as stroke, heart disease, depression, or developmental delay, which complicate epilepsy management, impair quality of life, and contribute to early mortality, the CDC says. Epilepsy also is the costliest and second most common of 5 chronic conditions that have adverse impact on academic and health outcomes in children and adolescents. For instance, children with seizures are more likely to live in poverty, and their parents more frequently report food insecurity.
The CDC suggests that health care providers and others can use the findings to ensure that evidence-based programs meet the complex needs of adults and children living with epilepsy and reduce the disparities resulting from it.