The Prevalence, Incidence and Etiology of Epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neuronal disorder that is observed globally but still it is not explored very well in most parts of the world. This disease is linked to different provocative causes and affects almost all generation, ethnicity and age population. Therefore, the aim of this article is to systemically review the literature about the prevalence, incidence and etiology of epilepsy to find possible approaches to control epilepsy. The worldwide prevalence of epilepsy is variable and varied among countries. High prevalence is found in adolescent and early age group population. In North America, Central and South America high prevalence is found in male except in New York, Bolivia, Honduras and Argentina where prevalence is high in female. In Asian countries such as China, India, Turkey and Saudi Arabia the prevalence is high in Male except in Pakistan here prevalence is high in female similarly to European countries where also prevalence is high in female. The prevalence of epilepsy in male and female is variable in African countries. Generalized seizure is high in America, Asia, Europe, and Africa than the other types of epilepsies. Very limited data is available about the incidence of epilepsy especially from low and lower middle income countries. The incidence rate of epilepsy is higher in the developing countries than the industrialized countries. Similarly, the incidence is also higher in male than female. Head injury, birth trauma, cerebrovascular disease, and intracranial infections (neurocysticercosis or meningoencephalitis) and genetic factors are the main causes of epilepsy.