Incidence of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures in Rochester, Minnesota: 1935-1984

• Published in: Epilepsia (Copenhagen) Vol. 34; no. 3; p. 453
• Main Authors: Hauser, W A, Annegers, J F, Kurland, L T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-05-1993
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Epilepsies, Partial - epidemiology; Epilepsies, Partial - etiology; Epilepsy - epidemiology; Epilepsy - etiology; Epilepsy, Generalized - epidemiology; Epilepsy, Generalized - etiology; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Minnesota - epidemiology; Seizures - epidemiology; Seizures - etiology; Sex Factors; Minnesota
• ISSN: 0013-9580
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1993.tb02586.x

The incidence of epilepsy and of all unprovoked seizures was determined for residents of Rochester, Minnesota U.S.A. from 1935 through 1984. Age-adjusted incidence of epilepsy was 44 per 100,000 person-years. Incidence in males was significantly higher than in females and was high in the first year of life but highest in persons aged > or = 75 years. Sixty percent of new cases had epilepsy manifested by partial seizures, and two thirds had no clearly identified antecedent. Cerebrovascular disease was the most commonly identified antecedent, accounting for 11% of cases. Neurologic deficits from birth, mental retardation and/or cerebral palsy, observed in 8% of cases, was the next most frequently identified preexisting condition. The cumulative incidence of epilepsy through age 74 years was 3.1%. The age-adjusted incidence of all unprovoked seizures was 61 per 100,000 person-years. Age- and gender-specific incidence trends were similar to those of epilepsy, but a higher proportion of cases was of unknown etiology and was characterized by generalized onset seizures. The cumulative incidence of all unprovoked seizures was 4.1% through age 74 years. With time, the incidence of epilepsy and of unprovoked seizures decreased in children and increased in the elderly.