A population-based study of the prevalence, clinical characteristics and effect of ethnicity in epilepsy.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of epilepsy and seizure disorders in Bradford. The method used was a community-based cross-sectional study. Case ascertainment was by review of medical records identified by searching practice databases using diagnostic codes and from repeat prescribing data. A specialist epilepsy nurse reviewed the records in 39 practices covering a population of 225 439. Clinical review was undertaken where there was limited information available in the records. In total, 1643 cases of epilepsy were identified (prevalence 7.3/1000). The prevalence of epilepsy increased with age. Classification of patients by internationally agreed definitions showed 1013 (62%) of cases with active epilepsy (prevalence 4. 5/1000); 421 (26%) with epilepsy in remission on treatment and 209 (13%) with epilepsy in remission off treatment. The standardized rate for all patients of South Asian origin was 3.6/1000 compared to 7.8/1000 in the rest of the population (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.38, 0.57). An underlying aetiology was identified in 29.5% of cases. Cerebrovascular disease and head injuries were the commonest causes.

Conclusions: The prevalence of epilepsy supports previous epidemiological estimates and highlights the public health importance of epilepsy. The low prevalence in the South Asian population is a surprising finding and further research into cultural attitudes to epilepsy and the impact of stigma in the South Asian population in the UK is required.