Epilepsy in young people: 23 year follow up of the British national child development study.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence and prevalence of epilepsy during childhood and early adult life in England, Scotland, and Wales.

DESIGN

Prospective study of 17,414 children born in England, Scotland, and Wales between 3 and 9 March 1958, followed up at 7, 11, 16, and 23 years of age, with a review of those with epilepsy at age 28.

SUBJECTS

People with epilepsy developing at or before age 23.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The age specific incidence, cumulative incidence, and prevalence of epilepsy.

RESULTS

124 young people had a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy during their first 23 years (cumulative incidence 8.4 per 1000; 95% confidence interval 6.8 to 10.0). 6 had died by age 23.46 (37%) had neurological impairment or another major health problem in addition to epilepsy. The prevalence of active epilepsy at age 23 was 6.3 per 1000 (4.9 to 7.7).

CONCLUSIONS

A wide variety of seizure disorders is included under the term epilepsy. A third of cases had generalised seizures. In only a quarter was the onset of seizures attributed to a specific cause. Children with additional health problems were more likely to continue to have seizures in early adult life than those with epilepsy alone. 1 in 8 were prescribed drug treatment for 6 years or more after their last seizure. All deaths occurred in young adults over the age of 16.