Epilepsy - Outlook and Effects

Risk Factors

Epilepsy and seizure disorders affect nearly 3 million Americans and more than 45 million people worldwide.

Age

Epilepsy affects all age groups. The incidence is highest in children under the age of 2 and older adults over age 65. In infants and toddlers, prenatal factors and birth delivery problems are associated with epilepsy risk.

In children age 10 and younger, generalized seizures are more common. In older children, partial seizures are more common.

Gender

Males have a slightly higher risk than females of developing epilepsy.

Family History

People who have a family history of epilepsy are at increased risk of developing the condition.

Review Date: 01/28/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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