Epilepsy Facts Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures and temporary impairment of brain function. There currently is no known cure. More than 2 million people, or one percent of the population, in the United States have epilepsy. It is estimated that approximately 70,000-129,000 new cases of epilepsy occur each year in the United States, which corresponds to approximately 30 to 53 cases per 100,000 people. About one-third of these new cases begin in childhood.
Incidence is also high in the elderly.
Epilepsy tends to affect slightly more men than women, but it can strike anyone, at any age. In most cases, epilepsy is not genetic. Head injuries, strokes, brain tumors, infections and genetic conditions are potential causes of approximately 35 percent of all cases of epilepsy. In the remaining 65 percent, no cause can be found. Partial seizures can evolve into generalized seizures.