Epilepsy and seizure disorders affect over 3 million Americans and 45 million people worldwide.

Age

Epilepsy affects all age groups. The incidence is highest in children under the age of 2 and older adults over age 65. In recent years, epilepsy has been decreasing in children while increasing in the elderly, probably because of mild strokes and cardiac arrest.

In children age 10 and younger, generalized seizures are more common; in older children, partial seizures are more common.

Gender

Males have a slightly higher risk than females of developing epilepsy.

Race and Ethnicity

African-Americans and other racial minorities are at higher risk than Caucasians.

Medical Conditions

Individuals with the following medical conditions have a higher than average risk of developing epilepsy:

• Children with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or both
• Adults with Alzheimer's disease
• Patients who have suffered a stroke