CDC study: 0.84% of U.S. adults have active epilepsy

William Atkins
Sunday, 10 August 2008 20:09

Science - Health

According to the CNN article “Survey estimates 1 percent of adults have active epilepsy,” the study participants stated that about “… 2.7 million people in the United States have epilepsy, and that it costs some $15.5 billion in medical care and lost or reduced earnings or productivity each year.”

According to the CDC paper, “Adults with a history of epilepsy and with active epilepsy were more likely to report fair or poor health, be unemployed or unable to work, live in households with the lowest annual incomes, and have a history of co-occurring disorders (e.g., stroke or arthritis). Adults with a history of epilepsy and with active epilepsy also reported significantly worse health-related quality of life. Adults with a history of epilepsy were more likely to be obese, physically inactive, and current smokers.”

The paper also stated, “Compared with adults with no history of the disorder, adults with a history of epilepsy reported significantly more mentally unhealthy days (7.3 versus 3.2), physically unhealthy days (9.1 versus 3.5), overall unhealthy days (13.0 versus 5.9), and activity-limitation days (6.8 versus 2.1)…. Compared with those with no history of epilepsy, adults with active epilepsy reported significantly more mentally unhealthy days (9.3 versus 3.4), physically unhealthy days (10.7 versus 3.6), overall unhealthy days (15.1 versus 6.1), and activity-limitation days (8.4 versus 2.2) ….”

Continuing, “Similarly, adults with inactive epilepsy reported more mentally unhealthy days, physically unhealthy days, overall unhealthy days, and activity-limitation days than those with no history of the disorder …. Adults with active epilepsy with recent seizures reported significantly more physically unhealthy days than those with no recent seizures (13.1 versus 8.8) and more activity-limitation days (11.1 versus 6.4) than those with no recent seizures.”

The paper also stated, “Persons with a history of epilepsy and active epilepsy are more likely than those without such histories to be obese, physically inactive, and current smokers …. The stress of living with a chronic disorder such as epilepsy, including its social limitations, might encourage unhealthy coping behaviors (e.g., smoking and poor diet) and discourage healthy behaviors (e.g., physical activity)."

In addition, "Persons with a history of epilepsy experience more depression and anxiety than those without the disorder; these common comorbid conditions are associated with unhealthy coping behaviors .... In addition, certain anticonvulsant medications can cause sedation and lethargy, which might impede physical activity, whereas others can stimulate appetite, resulting in weight gain …."

And, finally, "Although persons with epilepsy historically have been discouraged from participating in physical activity because of concerns about inducing seizures or sustaining injuries associated with seizures, physical activity can improve seizure control, mood, and quality of life …. Although persons with epilepsy should avoid physical injuries, many can benefit from daily physical activity such as walking ….”

For additional information on epilepsy, please visit the http://www.epilepsy.com/ website.