Global Incidence of Idiopathic Childhood Epilepsy on the Rise

Strategic Insights -

A recent study examining the global, regional, and national epidemiology of idiopathic childhood epilepsy has highlighted the significant burden of the condition, with nearly 1.23 million cases reported worldwide in 2021. Research from the School of Clinical Medicine reveals that the global incidence rate of idiopathic childhood epilepsy has increased by 26.34% since 1990, with the highest incidence rates observed in Ecuador. Notably, the study also reports a decline in mortality rates attributed to idiopathic epilepsy, from 25,768 in 1990 to 18,171 in 2021.

Key Takeaways:

  • The global incidence of idiopathic childhood epilepsy has increased by 26.34% since 1990, with nearly 1.23 million cases reported worldwide in 2021.
  • The highest incidence rate was observed in Ecuador, with 61.00 cases per 100,000 population.
  • The lowest Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions recorded the highest mortality rate in 2021, at 1.46 per 100,000.
  • Regionally, Southern Latin America saw the largest increase in incidence (EAPC, 0.49), while Eastern Europe observed the most significant mortality decrease (EAPC, -4.65).
  • Tajikistan reported the highest mortality rate, and Zambia reported the highest Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in 2021.
  • The global DALYs and mortality rates attributed to idiopathic epilepsy have declined, but the absolute number of affected individuals remains high, particularly in lower SDI regions.

Statistics:

  • Global incidence rate of idiopathic childhood epilepsy in 2021: 61.00 per 100,000 population.
  • Mortality rate attributed to idiopathic epilepsy in 1990: 1.48 per 100,000.
  • Mortality rate attributed to idiopathic epilepsy in 2021: 0.90 per 100,000.
  • Absolute number of affected individuals worldwide in 2021: approximately 1.23 million.
  • Global incidence rate increase since 1990: 26.34%.
  • DALYs attributed to idiopathic epilepsy in 2021: highest in Zambia.
  • SDI regions with highest mortality rate in 2021: lowest Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions.
  • Regional incidence rate increase: Southern Latin America (EAPC, 0.49).
  • Regional mortality rate decrease: Eastern Europe (EAPC, -4.65).

Sources:

  • Hou S., et al. "Global, Regional, and National Epidemiology of Idiopathic Childhood Epilepsy from 1990 to 2021." Neuroepidemiology, 2025:1-23.
  • Neuroepidemiology can be contacted at: Karger, Allschwilerstrasse 10, Ch-4009 Basel, Switzerland.
  • Karger, Allschwilerstrasse 10, Ch-4009 Basel, Switzerland (publisher contact information for the journal Neuroepidemiology).