Probability of Developing Epilepsy
1 in 38 (2.6%)
Lifetime probability in US
About 1 in 38 Americans (2.6%) will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime, making it one of the most common neurological conditions.
Epilepsy affects approximately 3.4 million Americans (1.2% of the population at any given time), with a lifetime risk of developing the condition estimated at about 1 in 38 (2.6%). Epilepsy can begin at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children under 10 and adults over 55.
Causes include brain injury (traumatic, stroke, infection), genetic factors, developmental disorders (autism, neurofibromatosis), and prenatal brain damage. In about 50% of cases, no identifiable cause is found. Risk factors include family history, head injuries, stroke, dementia, and brain infections (meningitis, encephalitis).
The good news is that about 70% of people with epilepsy can become seizure-free with medication. Anti-seizure medications are the primary treatment, with over 20 drugs available. For the 30% who don't respond to medication, surgical removal of the seizure focus, vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, or ketogenic diet may be effective. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a rare but serious concern, occurring in about 1 in 1,000 epilepsy patients per year.
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