A review of epilepsy and its epidemiology

Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects around 70 million people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries. It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure- free if properly diagnosed and treated. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population. Three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need. In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination. Due to the increasing number of epilepsy in Iran and the cultural and social problems of people with epilepsy, the need for information and culture about the reality of this disease is felt. In this article, first, while defining epilepsy and seizures, the history and importance of the disease are examined. Then, the causes of epilepsy, types of epilepsy and its social complications are introduced. Finally, epilepsy treatment methods and its epidemiology are briefly reviewed.