Epidemiological Study about the Prevalence of the Types of Epilepsy in Tabriz City

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Seizure is defined as a clinical state that represents with abnormal and paroxysmal discharges in the cerebral cortex. Epilepsy refers to a neurological disorder which a patient experiences two or more seizures through cut life. The related data regarding the prevalence of epilepsy are controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of epilepsy in Tabriz, IRAN. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive study, 4300 individuals from Tabriz were studied using door-to-door visits. History assessment and physical examination were carried out in probable epilepsy cases and findings were assessed Results: Of 4300 individuals, 46.9% were male and 53.1% were female. Eight individuals (0.18%) with a prevalence of 1.86 per 1000 people suffered from epilepsy. There was epilepsy prevalence of 2.47 per 1000 people and 1.31 per 1000 people in male and female, respectively. Epilepsy prevalence was 1.74 per 1000 people in the 0-9 -year-old group, 2.94 per 1000 people in 20-29 -year-old group, 2.84 per 1000 people in 30-39 –year-old group, 3 per 1000 people in 50-59 year-old-group, and 23.8 per 1000 people in ≥80 –year-old group. Of the epileptic patients, 62.5% were male with a mean age of 35.79±24.69 years. Tonic (37.5%) and tonic- clonic seizure (25%) were found the most prevalent types. Conclusions: Total epilepsy prevalence was lower than those reported in other region. Epilepsy prevalence in males was higher than females, which differs from some other studies. Such difference is likely due to regional differences and difference in health level and people information in this region.

Keywords: Prevalence of epilepsy, Epidemiology, Seizure