title: The Epidemiology of Global Epilepsy.
abstract: The International League Against Epilepsy defines epilepsy as at least 2 unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart. It is a wide-reaching and complex illness affecting more than 70 million people worldwide and can take on a variety of forms, patterns, and severities. Geographic differences in the illness are often related to its etiology. A host of endemic illnesses and parasitic infections can lead to epilepsy syndromes. Management varies by region due to the availability of diagnostic modalities and medications. Treatment gaps in epilepsy care often are related to social and cultural factors that must also be understood.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Bellevue Epilepsy Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, NBV 7W11, New York, NY 10016, USA. Electronic address: anuradha.singh@nyumc.org.
authors.forename: Anuradha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trevick
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014943:Global Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013577:Syndrome
keywords: CNS infections; Epidemiology; Epilepsy; Seizures; Taboos; Treatment gap