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UPDATE:

The new JEC Epilepsy prevalence, incidence and other statistics were examined by BBC Radio Scotland in the programme "The Investigation: Epilepsy in Scotland which was aired on Sunday, 4th December, 2011. The programme, which featured interviews with the JEC and JEC Scottish member organisations, examined whether adequate provision is being made in Scotland for the care and treatment for people with epilepsy in the light of the increase in numbers of people with the condition. Listen to the programme by clicking here:




ORIGINAL STORY:

The JEC has launched a new edition of its publication "Epilepsy Prevalence, Incidence and Other Statistics". The JEC first produced natioinally recognised incidence and prevalence figures in 2005. These figures have been reviewed and updated and show a large rise in the number of people with a diagnosis of epilepsy and a prescription for anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).

It is suggested that this rise is due to a combination of reasons:

• Greater attention to recording and monitoring people with epilespy due to initiatives such as the GP Quality and Outcomes Framework
• The introduction and implementation of the NICE and SIGN Guidelines
• The ageing population and the higher incidence of epilepsy later in life.
• The general population increase.

It is acknowledged that an exact figure for the number of people with epilepsy is difficult to produce due to complicating factors such as misdiagnosis rates, inconsistent reporting, variations in the definition for active epilepsy and AEDs being prescribed for other conditions. However, the figures do not include patients with epilepsy who are not receiving AED treatment, for whatever reason.

Nevertheless these data are important and useful despite these limitations; health services, social services and education organisaitons have to design and provide support services for people with epilepsy based on the population with that diagnosis undergoing treatment. These figures are intended to provide an open and consistent approach to epilespy statistics. The JEC believes that the figure of approximately 600,000 people in the UK with a diagnoisis of epilepsy and receiving AED treatment is the best and most accurate estimate currently available.

Click here to download a copy of the December 2011 document
307kb PDF File. Don't have Adobe PDF Reader? Click here to download

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