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Uncontrolled Seizures in Epilepsy Exacerbate Adverse Health and Social Outcomes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have underscored the critical issue of uncontrolled seizures among individuals with epilepsy, highlighting the increased risk of adverse health and social outcomes, including a higher risk of death. According to a recently published study, approximately 36.2% of US adults with active epilepsy reported experiencing uncontrolled seizures in the past 12 months, while 14.7% were not taking antiseizure medication and had uncontrolled seizures. The prevalence of seizure control among those with active epilepsy varied significantly by annual family income, with individuals from lower-income households experiencing reduced seizure control.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approximately 1.1% of US adults, or 2.9 million individuals, have active epilepsy, with 49.2% experiencing seizure control and 36.2% experiencing uncontrolled seizures while taking antiseizure medication.
  • Individuals with uncontrolled seizures are at a higher risk of adverse health and social outcomes, including increased risk of death.
  • Seizure control varies significantly by annual family income, with individuals from lower-income households experiencing reduced seizure control.
  • Nearly 400,000 adults with active epilepsy reported having uncontrolled seizures without taking antiseizure medication.
  • Improving provider awareness of epilepsy treatment guidelines, enhancing access to specialty care, providing epilepsy self-management supports, and addressing unmet social needs of individuals with epilepsy with uncontrolled seizures are essential opportunities for intervention.
  • Researchers highlight the need to address disparities in seizure control among individuals with active epilepsy, particularly those at lower family income levels.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 1.1% of US adults have active epilepsy (estimated population: 2.9 million).
  • 49.2% of individuals with active epilepsy reported experiencing seizure control.
  • 36.2% of individuals with active epilepsy reported experiencing uncontrolled seizures while taking antiseizure medication.
  • 14.7% of individuals with active epilepsy reported having uncontrolled seizures without taking antiseizure medication.
  • Seizure control among individuals with active epilepsy varies significantly by annual family income, with individuals from lower-income households experiencing reduced seizure control.
  • The prevalence of seizure control among individuals with active epilepsy is as follows:

+ PIR ≤ 1.0: 16.4%

+ PIR 1.0 - 2.0: 28.7%

+ PIR > 2.0: 55.0%

Sources:

  • Epilepsy & Behavior (2024;157)
  • National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (2021 and 2022)
  • National Center for Chronic Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion (2024)
  • NewsRx LLC (2024)

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