Low occurrence of epileptic seizures and epilepsy in a defined area of Northwest Greece

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to investigate the epidemiologic profile of epileptic seizures in the general population of a defined area of Northwest Greece. We also investigated the frequency of epilepsy in the same population. METHODS The study area was the District of Corfu representing a population of about 11,3000 inhabitants. Cases have been recorded prospectively in the frame of a systematic recording system, using multiple sources of retrieval, developed in the study area. All patients referred between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2005, representing a case of diagnosed epilepsy or a new case of epileptic seizure, resident in the study area, were included in the study. Cases were confirmed and classified according to ILAE guidelines for epidemiologic studies on epilepsy. RESULTS A total of 68 new cases of epileptic seizures were recorded. The age adjusted mean annual incidence rate was 58.4 (95% CI, 43.9-72.9) cases per 10(5) inhabitants (55.6 for men, and 62.3 for women). Thirty-seven cases were classified as unprovoked seizures (32.6 cases per 10(5)), and 13 of them were related to stable conditions. The age adjusted prevalence estimate of diagnosed epilepsy was 226.1 (95% CI, 199.4-252.7) cases per 10(5) inhabitants (223.3 for men, and 228.6 for women). DISCUSSION The study population presents a relatively low incidence of unprovoked seizures and a low frequency of epilepsy, in comparison to other populations studied. The low incidence of unprovoked seizures seems to be related to a low occurrence of cases associated with conditions resulting to a static encephalopathy.