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Aetiology and epidemiology
Questions from healthcare professionals
Q: Are there any statistics on the prevalence of epilepsy in the UK, and whether this is changing over time?
A: The Joint Epilepsy Council (JEC) produced a report called 'Epilepsy Prevalence, Incidence and Other Statistics' in 2005. This report is available from the JEC website at www.jointepilepsycouncil.org.uk. We understand that the JEC is currently developing an updated document on this.
January 2011
Q: Is epilepsy hereditary or genetic?
A: There are many possible causes of the epilepsies. You may find the papers in the 'Basic science' section of 'Epilepsy 2009' in the Articles section of this website helpful. They are on the basic mechanisms of epilepsy, neuropathology of epilepsy and molecular genetics of the epilepsies.
October 2010
Q: Are there any statistics about epilepsy in the world?
A: you can find out more about epidemiology of epilepsy in the chapter The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy in the articles section.
April 2008
Q: Are there figures for the incidence of epilepsy by different ethnic origin and for asylum seekers?
A: We are not aware of these figures having been collected or reported.
April 2008
Q: How common is epilepsy in people with autism?
A: Answer: There is an increased prevalence of epilepsy amongst people with autism. This is regardless of age. You can find out more about the prevalence of epilepsy in the articles section under The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy.
March 2008
Q: Can sleep paralysis in parents cause a pre-disposition for epilepsy in their children?
A: Answer: We have never heard that this can happen.
February 2008
Q: Is it possible for everyone with epilepsy to be seizure free?
A: The recent Joint Epilepsy Council document 'Epilepsy prevalence, incidence and other statistics', (JEC, 2005) includes information on seizure-freedom. It says: '70 per cent of the population with epilepsy in the UK could be seizure free with optimal treatment. Currently only 52 per cent of the population of people with epilepsy are seizure free. This 18 per cent treatment gap equates to 82,000 people with epilepsy having seizures when with optimal treatment they could be seizure free.' You can read the full document on the Joint Epilepsy Council website.
February 2008
Q: What is the mortality rate in relationship to cancer? In particular breast cancer?
A: The mortality rates associated with epilepsy are covered in the chapter The mortality of epilepsy in the articles section.
October 2007
Q: What triggers epilepsy? Do electrolytes in the body have any relevance and does it have an effect if someone is taking carbamazepine?
A: Epilepsy may be caused by anything that affects the brain. Serious electrolyte disturbances may cause seizures. In some people, carbamazepine may cause lowering of the sodium level and in a few people, if this was severe, seizures could be precipitated, but this is not common.
October 2007
Q: Is there any genetic link to Lennox Gastaut syndrome?
A: There is no evidence for a genetic predisposition for Lennox Gastaut syndrome.
June 2005
Q: You have the following statement in your questions and answers section: ‘The ILAE (International League Against Epilepsy) guidelines for epidemiology suggest that once a person has been seizure-free and off medication for five years, they should no longer be considered to have epilepsy.’ Does this still apply? What is the source?
A: This still applies. The guidelines were published in 1993 in Epilepsia, under the Commission on Epidemiology and Prognosis.
March 2005
Q: Are there any links between epilepsy and coeliac disease?
A: Epilepsy may occasionally be associated with coeliac disease particularly if there are brain calcifications.
August 2004
Q: Do you have any information relating to the treatment and incidence of people with cerebral tumours who then develop epilepsy?
A: Tumours are responsible for the development of epilepsy in up to a third of patients between 30 and 50 years old. The treatment of people who have developed epilepsy as a result of tumours is the same as for other people with epilepsy.
March 2004
Q: Can alcohol cause epilepsy?
A: Alcohol abuse is one cause of epilepsy.
January 2004
Please note: Epilepsy Society is unable to provide a medical opinion on specific cases. Responses contain information relating to the general principles of investigation and management. Answers are not, and should not be assumed to be, direct medical advice.
