Incidence of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures in Rochester, Minnesota: 1935-1984.
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.
Hauser
W A
WA
G. H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
Annegers
J F
JF
Kurland
L T
LT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D012640:Seizures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012737:Sex Factors