Epidemiology of women with epilepsy

Key points: Gender differences are observed in specific epilepsy syndromes Women with epilepsy (WWE) are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and infertility WWE of childbearing age encounter challenges associated with contraceptive therapy, pregnancy, and anticonvulsant use WWE during menopause face unique concerns related to hormone replacement therapy and osteoporosis Introduction nEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions affecting men and women of all ages. In this chapter, we review the epidemiology of the epilepsies along with the epidemiology of comorbidity and special issues WWE encounter throughout their life. Epidemiology of epilepsy Fifty million individuals worldwide are estimated to have epilepsy atany given time [1]. Prevalence of epilepsy is defined as the number of persons with epilepsy in a specific populationat one point in time, divided by the number of persons in that population and time. Incidence of epilepsy is defined as the number of new cases of epilepsy over a specified time period [1]. The reported incidence and prevalence of epilepsy varies widely between studies. Reasons for these estimated differences may include variations in the case ascertainment methods, the lack of accepted diagnostic criteria, the variations in the study location, and possible underreporting due to the stigma associated with epilepsy.