Skip Navigation Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 CDC Home Search Health Topics A-Z

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Chronic Disease Prevention
Home | Contact Us

Chronic Disease Prevention

Chronic Disease Overview
CDC's Chronic Disease Programs
Tracking Conditions & Risk Behaviors
Major Accomplishments
Scientific Observations
Exemplary State Programs
State Profiles
Publications

About CDC's Chronic Disease Center
Press Room
Grants and
Funding
Postgraduate Opportunities
Related Links



Epilepsy: Increasing Awareness and Improving Care


See Also:

Epilepsy Web Site


Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that affects approximately 2.3 million people in the United States.

  • Each year, about 181,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with epilepsy; the very young and older adults are the most likely to be affected.
  • People of lower socio-economic status, residents of urban areas, and minority populations tend to bear a disproportionate burden.
  • Delayed recognition of seizures and inadequate treatment greatly increase the risk for subsequent seizures, brain damage, disability, and death from injuries incurred during a seizure.
  • Because of restrictions from certain activities, public prejudice, and public fear of people who have seizures, 20%–30% of people with epilepsy are underemployed. 

Costs

The Epilepsy Foundation estimates an annual total cost to the United States of $12.5 billion in direct and indirect costs for epilepsy and seizures.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Epilepsy, by Sex and Age Group,* United States, 1986–1990

Prevalence of Self-Reported Epilepsy, by Sex and Age Group,* United States, 1986–1990. Click below for text description.

*Age -adjusted to 1980 U.S. population.
Source: CDC, National Health Interview Survey, 1989.

(A text version of this graphic is also available.)

CDC Goals

  • To increase timely diagnosis, effective management, and appropriate treatment for people with epilepsy.
  • To develop programs and materials to combat the stigma, discrimination, and misplaced safety concerns related to epilepsy.
  • To improve self-management for people with epilepsy.
  • To promote the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data needed to design, implement, and evaluate public health programs related to epilepsy.
 



Examples of CDC Activities


Cover of the brochure Living Well With Epilepsy
 In 1997, CDC cosponsored the first national conference on public health and epilepsy and developed a list of priority concerns, which include research on the care of patients, combating stigmatization, and reducing disabilities associated with epilepsy.


CDC focuses on improving care, self-management, surveillance, prevention research, communication, information dissemination, and works to strengthen partnerships to promote epilepsy awareness and quality of life for people affected by epilepsy. In 2001, CDC 

  • Developed sample contract language for health service providers and insurers relating to health service benefits and the provision of those benefits to people with epilepsy.
  • Initiated research to analyze population-based data maintained by a managed care organization, and to better assess the incidence, prevalence, and patterns of care of epilepsy in these populations.
  • Initiated epidemiologic studies of cysticercosis in selected communities to assess the associated risk of epilepsy and to develop effective primary prevention programs.
  • Assessed the needs of parents of children with epilepsy to determine which products would help them assist their children manage their condition.
  • Continued research on the effects of epilepsy and seizures on older people.
  • Collaborated on developing a systematic method of evaluating the quality and quantity of research on the care of people with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
  • On the basis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in Texas, reported on health-related quality of life issues among adults with epilepsy.
  • Initiated a study of transportation issues that affect people with epilepsy.
  • Began work with a national organization to educate state legislatures about epilepsy and seizures.
  • Expanded a cooperative agreement with a national organization to conduct a multifaceted public education and awareness campaign focusing on teenagers and adolescents with epilepsy and their peers.
  • Developed a Spanish language Web site on epilepsy and seizures, available on-line at http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/enfermedades/epilepsia.htm.

CDC continues to work with the Epilepsy Foundation and other partners on a communication campaign to help adolescents with epilepsy make decisions about whether, with whom, and when to share information about epilepsy and seizures. 

CDC will also work with partners to assess the needs of parents in assisting their children with epilepsy in taking appropriate responsibility for managing their condition.

 
 




Privacy Policy | Accessibility

Home | Contact Us

CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z

This page last reviewed September 02, 2004

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion