Facts and Statistics

Approximately one in 120 people have epilepsy.

Anyone can be affected by seizures at any age, but epilepsy is most frequently diagnosed in infancy, childhood, adolescence and old age.

Up to 5% of the world’s population may have a seizure at some time in their lives. Epilepsy is diagnosed when the seizures are unprovoked and recurrent – in other words they happen more than once.

It is estimated that around 50 million people in the world have epilepsy at any one time. Incidence in developing countries is almost double that of developed countries.

Epilepsy is more than three times as common as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.

Epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of death, which may be related to:

• An underlying brain disease, such as a tumour or infection.
• Seizures in dangerous circumstances, leading to drowning, burns or head injury.
• Prolonged or ongoing seizures (Status epilepticus).
• Sudden and unexplained causes.
• A possible respiratory or cardio-respiratory arrest during a seizure.
• Suicide.

Up to 70% of people gain full seizure control with treatment but in developing countries, over 80% of people with epilepsy may not receive the treatment they need.

A small percentage of people may be eligible for surgery.

Approximately 70% of people who have epilepsy surgery become seizure free.

Treatment options for people who cannot get seizure control with medications include Vagus Nerve Stimulation and the Ketogenic Diet.

Up to 15% of people referred to an epilepsy specialist centre do not actually have epilepsy and have been previously misdiagnosed.

Epilepsy is a condition of the brain, not a mental illness.

People with epilepsy can obtain a driver’s licence if their seizures are controlled by medication or if they fulfil the guidelines set out by the driving authorities.

It is commonly thought that epilepsy always involves convulsions or “grand mal” seizures. In fact there are around 40 different types of seizures.

Many people outgrow or have a long term remission from seizures. Epilepsy is not necessarily a lifelong disorder.

Epilepsy can have profound social, physical and psychological consequences.

People with epilepsy continually face social stigma and exclusion. A fundamental part of reducing this stigma is to raise public and professional awareness.

For more information or advice about epilepsy, contact Epilepsy Action on 1300 37 45 37 or email epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au