Seizures Epidemiology Forecast 2025-2034

Approximately 10% of individuals globally will experience at least one seizure during their lifetime. Research indicates that around 25% to 30% of newly occurring seizures are typically triggered or secondary to another underlying condition. In older adults, the leading cause of seizures and epilepsy is frequently linked to cerebrovascular disease.

Seizures Epidemiology Forecast Report Coverage

The Seizures Epidemiology Forecast Report 2025-2034 delivers a comprehensive analysis of the condition’s prevalence and associated demographic factors. It projects future incidence and prevalence trends across diverse population groups, considering key variables such as age, gender, and seizures type. The report highlights change in prevalence over time and offers data-driven forecasts based on influencing factors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth overview of the disease, along with historical and projected epidemiological data for eight key markets:

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and India.

Seizures:

Disease Overview

Seizures are abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, resulting in changes in behavior, movement, or consciousness. They can be triggered by various factors, including epilepsy, head injury, fever, and neurological disorders. Epilepsy is the most common cause, characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure, ranging from brief staring episodes to violent convulsions. Diagnosis involves medical history, EEG tests, and brain imaging. Treatment focuses on controlling seizures with anticonvulsant medications. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers, are also essential. Seizures can impact daily activities and quality of life.

Epidemiology Overview

The seizures epidemiology section offers a comprehensive overview of the patient population, from historical data to current trends, as well as future projections across key markets. The Research provides insights into both current and future trends by examining various studies. The data is categorized into specific groups, such as diagnosed cases in different age ranges and among male and female populations.

• The World Health Organization reports that around 10% of people globally will experience at least one seizure during their lifetime.
• A 2020 study published in The Lancet indicates that the incidence of epilepsy is highest among younger and older populations, with a noticeable increase in cases after the age of 50. In older adults, cerebrovascular diseases, such as strokes and other brain blood flow issues, are the primary causes of seizures and epilepsy.
• In The United States, nearly 150,000 new epilepsy diagnoses, leading to seizures, are made annually.
• The Epilepsy Foundation states that epilepsy is slightly more prevalent in men than in women.

Seizures:

Treatment Overview

Seizures are typically managed with medications aimed at controlling the frequency and severity of episodes. The treatment approach may involve antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the type of seizure, underlying cause, and individual patient factors. Other therapies such as vagus nerve stimulation or ketogenic diets may be recommended in refractory cases. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial in improving the quality of life for patients with seizure disorders.

• Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs):

AEDs are the cornerstone of treatment for seizures, used to prevent or control abnormal brain activity. Medications such as levetiracetam, valproate, and carbamazepine are commonly prescribed based on the type of seizure. While AEDs are effective for many individuals, they may require adjustments for optimal results, and side effects can occur, making patient monitoring essential.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS):

VNS is a non-pharmacological treatment for patients whose seizures are not controlled by medication. A small device is implanted under the skin in the chest, sending electrical pulses to the vagus nerve to help reduce seizure frequency. This therapy is often considered for patients with refractory epilepsy, providing an alternative when medication alone is insufficient.

• Ketogenic Diet:

The ketogenic diet, high in fats and low in carbohydrates, has been shown to reduce seizure frequency in some individuals, particularly children with drug-resistant epilepsy. This diet induces a state of ketosis, which can stabilize brain activity. It is typically used when other treatments fail and requires strict medical supervision due to potential side effects such as nutrient imbalances.

• Surgery:

In some cases of refractory seizures, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially if seizures originate from a specific, localized area of the brain. Procedures such as lobectomy or the removal of abnormal tissue can significantly reduce or eliminate seizures in selected patients. Surgery is considered after thorough evaluation and when other treatments have not been effective.

• Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS):

RNS is a newer option for patients with focal seizures. A device is implanted in the brain to detect abnormal electrical activity and deliver electrical stimulation to interrupt the seizure. This treatment is useful for patients whose seizures are localized to specific brain regions and who have not responded to conventional treatments. RNS offers the potential for reduced seizure frequency and improved quality of life.

Seizures:

Burden Analysis

Seizures, particularly when occurring frequently or as part of epilepsy, can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. Patients may experience limitations in daily activities, including driving, employment, and social interactions. The unpredictability of seizures often leads to anxiety and depression. Moreover, frequent hospital visits, the side effects of antiepileptic drugs, and the risk of injury during a seizure exacerbate the emotional and physical strain. In children, seizures can affect academic performance and social development. For many, the long-term management of seizures becomes a central focus, leading to diminished overall life satisfaction and productivity.

Key Epidemiology Trends

The epidemiology of seizures has been evolving in recent years, with increasing recognition of their causes, prevalence, and impact on affected individuals. Various factors contribute to changes in the trends of seizure occurrences, including demographics, healthcare access, and advancements in diagnostic techniques. Here are five notable trends in the epidemiology of seizures.

1. Increased Incidence in Older Populations

One significant trend in recent years is the rising incidence of seizures in older adults. As populations around the world age, there has been a notable increase in the number of new cases of seizures and epilepsy in individuals aged 65 and older. This rise is largely attributed to age-related conditions such as cerebrovascular diseases, including strokes, which are known to increase the risk of seizures. Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, also contribute to the higher incidence. The increasing prevalence of comorbidities in the elderly population further compounds this issue, making the management of seizures more complex in this age group.

2. Growing Awareness and Improved Diagnosis

Advances in medical imaging and diagnostic tools, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), have led to more accurate and earlier diagnoses of seizures and epilepsy. This has resulted in a growing recognition of seizure disorders in populations that were previously underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. As awareness of the condition increases, healthcare providers are better equipped to identify seizures in a broader range of individuals, including those with non-convulsive seizures, which may not have been easily detected in the past. The improvement in diagnostic techniques is also leading to better data collection, allowing for more accurate epidemiological studies and greater understanding of seizure prevalence.

3. Increased Incidence in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Recent trends have also highlighted a rise in the incidence of seizures and epilepsy in low and middle-income countries. This increase can be attributed to factors such as infectious diseases, including malaria, neurocysticercosis, and meningitis, which are more prevalent in these regions and are known to cause seizures. Limited access to healthcare, fewer resources for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, and a lack of public health awareness about epilepsy contribute to the higher burden of seizures in these populations. As healthcare infrastructure improves in some regions, better reporting and diagnosis have also led to a higher observed incidence.

4. Seizures in Children and Adolescents

There is an increasing recognition of seizures as a prevalent issue among children and adolescents. Epilepsy, often diagnosed in childhood, continues to be one of the most common neurological disorders in this age group. A significant number of these seizures are related to genetic factors, developmental disorders, or birth-related injuries. Research is increasingly focused on understanding the unique needs of children with epilepsy, including age-specific treatments and the long-term effects of seizure disorders on cognitive development and education. The growing number of studies on pediatric epilepsy is helping improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic options for children.

5. Seizures and Mental Health Co-occurrence

Another emerging trend is the growing recognition of the connection between seizures and mental health disorders. Many individuals who experience seizures, particularly those with epilepsy, also struggle with psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. The stigma associated with having seizures or epilepsy can lead to social isolation, which exacerbates mental health challenges. Additionally, the neurobiological impact of recurrent seizures on the brain may contribute to the development of mood disorders. Research has increasingly shown the importance of addressing both the neurological and psychological aspects of seizure management to improve the overall well-being of individuals living with the condition.

Analysis By Region

The epidemiology of seizures varies across countries and regions due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards pain, and access to pain management therapies. Understanding these variations is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Key regions include:

• The United States
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

These regions exhibit distinct epidemiological trends, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within their healthcare systems.

The epidemiology of seizures varies between countries, owing to differences in factors such as the prevalence of infections (like meningitis, malaria, or neurocysticercosis), healthcare access, infectious diseases, socioeconomic factors, genetic predispositions, trauma rates, and lifestyle patterns. The Epilepsy Foundation states that around 1 in 100 people experienced a single unproved seizure or had an epilepsy diagnosis in The United States.

Key Questions Answered

• How do socioeconomic factors, such as income and education level, influence the prevalence and outcomes of chronic diseases in different populations?
• What role does genetic predisposition play in the epidemiology of diseases like cancer, diabetes, or neurological disorders across various ethnic groups?
• How have advancements in diagnostic tools impacted the reported incidence and prevalence of infectious diseases like tuberculosis or malaria?
• In what ways do environmental factors, such as climate change or urbanization, affect the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases like malaria or dengue?
• How does the aging population in many countries influence the epidemiology of age-related diseases, including dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer?
• What are the key factors contributing to the rising incidence of mental health disorders, and how can epidemiological studies inform better prevention strategies?
• How do public health policies and vaccination programs impact the epidemiology of infectious diseases, such as measles or influenza, in both developed and developing countries?
• What are the primary barriers to accessing healthcare in rural or low-income areas, and how do these barriers affect the epidemiology of chronic and infectious diseases?
• How do cultural practices and health beliefs influence the incidence and treatment of diseases in various regions, particularly in the context of non-communicable diseases?
• What are the implications of the increasing global mobility of populations on the spread of infectious diseases, and how can epidemiological research guide response strategies?

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and classification/types of seizures based on several factors.
• The seizures epidemiology forecast report covers data for the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and India)
• The report helps to identify the patient population, the unmet needs of seizures are highlighted along with an assessment of the disease's risk and burden.