Epilepsy
Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is a common brain condition that causes repeated seizures. In the United States, about 3 million adults and 470,000 children and teens younger than 18 have epilepsy.
Causes of Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be caused by many different conditions that affect a person’s brain. Examples include stroke, head injury, childbirth complications, infections (like meningitis or cysticercosis), and some genetic disorders. Often, no definite cause can be found.
Children and older adults are more likely to have epilepsy because risk factors are more common in these groups.
Health and Economic Impact of Epilepsy
Adults with epilepsy report worse physical and mental health and are more likely to report being unable to afford different types of health care than adults without the disorder. In 2016, health care spending for epilepsy was $8.6 billion in direct costs, of which 63.4% was paid by public insurance.
Getting the wrong diagnosis or the wrong treatment can increase a person’s risk of later seizures, brain damage, injuries, disability, and early death. More than one-third of people with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite treatment. People with epilepsy often have other chronic conditions that need to be managed, such as depression, heart disease, and asthma.
Although epilepsy is widely recognized by the public, it is poorly understood, even among people who know someone with the disorder. Public misunderstanding and stigma can limit life opportunities for people with epilepsy.
In the United States:
56% OF ADULTS
taking medicine for epilepsy still have seizures.
32% OF ADULTS
with epilepsy are unable to work.
53% OF ADULTS
with uncontrolled seizures live in households earning less than $25,000 a year.
66% OF ADULTS
with epilepsy have 4 or more other chronic conditions.
56% OF ADULTS
taking medicine for epilepsy still have seizures.
53% OF ADULTS
with uncontrolled seizures live in households earning less than $25,000 a year.
32% OF ADULTS
with epilepsy are unable to work.
66% OF ADULTS
with epilepsy have 4 or more other chronic conditions.
CDC’s Approach
With $10.5 million in FY 2021 funding, CDC’s Epilepsy Program works with partners to research, test, and share strategies and programs to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
CDC uses data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and other surveys to study new cases of epilepsy, how many people are living with epilepsy, risk factors, severity, quality of life, and the risk of early death. These data help researchers better understand the scope of epilepsy in the United States.
CDC’s analysis of 2017 NHIS data found that about one-third of adults with epilepsy had not seen a neurologist or epilepsy specialist in the past year.
In 2014, CDC and the National Institutes of Health launched the Sudden Death in the Young Case Registryexternal icon, which identifies cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), sudden unexpected infant death, and sudden cardiac death in children and young adults aged 20 or younger. Currently, this work is taking place in 13 states or jurisdictions. The registry will help researchers identify SUDEP risk factors so scientists can better understand how to prevent it.
Since 2007, CDC has supported the Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network, whose members study epilepsy self-management with community partners. MEW Network researchers develop and evaluate interventions, provide professional trainings, and share findings and promising programs. The following are MEW programs:
- HOBSCOTCHexternal icon (HOme-Based Self-management and COgnitive Training CHanges lives) helps adults with epilepsy and memory problems.
- MINDSETexternal icon (Self-Management Epilepsy Decision Support for Adult People with Epilepsy and Their Providers) is a tablet-based program rated positively by doctors and patients for improving discussion about self-management. MINDSET is available in English and Spanish.
- PACESexternal icon (Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self-management in epilepsy) helps people gain confidence in their ability to manage their epilepsy and reduce medicine side effects.
- Project UPLIFTexternal icon (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) reduces depression in people with epilepsy. Project UPLIFT is available in English and Spanish.
- SMARTexternal icon (Self-Management for People with Epilepsy and a History of Negative Health Events) reduces the number of seizures and improves mood.
In 2016, CDC supported two ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) interventions, effectively training over 1,000 general practitioners and school nurses on best practices for epilepsy care.
People with epilepsy and their families need to know how to find the right medical care and how to manage their condition. They may encounter stigma and feel isolated because others continue to believe myths about epilepsy, misunderstand the abilities of people with epilepsy, or fear seizures. Some people lack knowledge about seizure first aid or are uncomfortable providing it.
CDC has a longstanding partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation to conduct public education and awareness campaigns to increase understanding about epilepsy and reduce stigma. CDC also supports the Epilepsy Foundation to develop and conduct training for school nurses, childcare and school staff, first responders, adult care facility staff, law enforcement personnel, and health care providers. The Epilepsy Foundation also provides a 24/7 Epilepsy & Seizures Helplineexternal icon in English and Spanish that connects people to resources in their communities.
In FY 2021, CDC started supporting four additional organizations to focus on epilepsy programs: the American Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Association of Western & Central Pennsylvania, Epilepsy Foundation New England, and National Association of School Nurses. These new partners will provide programs that improve health, quality of life, and access to quality medical care for people with epilepsy in specific geographic areas.