Epidemiology and etiology of seizures and epilepsy in the elderly in Asia

Abstract

In developed countries, incidence of epilepsy follows a bi-modal distribution with 1st peak in first few years of life whilst a second and more pronounced peak is in those >65 years. Reported Incidence rates of epilepsy was >130/100,000/ year in people >65 years, and >160/100,000/year in those >80 years.1 Incidence of status epilepticus was reported to be 60 to 80/100,000/year after age 60 years, with mortality twice that of younger adults. About 35% of new seizures after age 75 were status epilepticus.2 In the Rochester study, the overall incidence of epilepsy showed little change from 1935-1984.3 However, Incidence in patients 60 (23.2/100,000/year).