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Epilepsy is a general term that includes various types of seizures.
People with diagnosed epilepsy have had more than one seizure, and
they may have had more than one kind of seizure. A seizure happens
when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes an involuntary
change in body movement or function, sensation, awareness, or
behavior. Epilepsy affects about
2.3 million Americans, and results in an estimated annual cost of
$12.5 billion in medical costs and lost or reduced earnings and
production. People of all ages are affected, but particularly the
very young and the elderly. About 10% of Americans will experience a
seizure sometime during their lifetime, and about 3% will have had a
diagnosis of epilepsy by age 80.
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The first national conference on public health and epilepsy, Living
Well with Epilepsy I, convened in 1997. The conference was
co-sponsored by CDC, the American Epilepsy Society (AES), the
National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), and the Epilepsy
Foundation (EF). This conference defined the aim of epilepsy
treatment as "no seizures, no side effects." Its key messages can be
summarized as: "take seizures seriously, do it early, do it right
the first time, be systematic, efficient and effective, and empower
the patient."
Participants collaborated on developing a list of priority epilepsy
concerns ranging from researching the evaluation and care of
patients having a first seizure to combating stigmatization and
reducing disabilities associated with epilepsy.
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This list of priority concerns was the impetus for developing CDC
epilepsy programs directed at improving care; improving
communication, self-management and surveillance; increasing public
awareness and knowledge; and strengthening partnerships. Key Public Health Issues
- The goal of
eliminating seizures, while at the same time preventing side
effects from treatment, is achievable for most people with
epilepsy. However, most areas of the country do not have the
organized systems of care necessary to provide needed service,
and support for all people with epilepsy.
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Epidemiological and surveillance data on epilepsy are limited.
More research is needed on epilepsy, in particular on how the
causes, frequency, and severity of the condition differ among
age groups, races, and communities.
- People with
epilepsy often struggle to overcome low self-esteem and the
stigma that is attached to having epilepsy. The stigma is due in
part to a lack of understanding by people they see every day —
family members, schoolmates, colleagues. Some people mistakenly
believe that epilepsy is a form of mental illness or mental
retardation, that seizures are something to fear, that drastic
first aid measures must be taken to help someone having a
seizure, or that people with epilepsy cannot be valuable and
productive employees. Public education is needed to eliminate
these misconceptions.
Related Links
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Epilepsy Information
Epilepsy Health Information
Epilepsy - Questions and Answers
Epilepsy Family Toolkit
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