The prevalence and treatment gap of epilepsy in Tbilisi, Georgia

Data on the prevalence of epilepsy and the extent of its treatment gap are important for planning health care delivery for people with epilepsy. The prevalence of active epilepsy in Georgia prior to the social and political re-organization in the early 1990s was estimated at around 5.7 per 1000. Changes to the social structure of the country may have affected this. There is no previous estimate of the treatment gap.

A door-to-door survey was carried out using a validated screening questionnaire to determine the prevalence of epilepsy and the extent of the treatment gap amongst a population of about 10,000 people in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The diagnosis of epilepsy amongst those who screened positive was confirmed by a multidisciplinary team.

Lifetime prevalence was 11.4/1000. The prevalence of active epilepsy was estimated at 8.8/1000, and 5/1000 had seizures in the previous 12 months. About two thirds of people with active epilepsy had not received appropriate antiepileptic treatment in the month prior to the survey. 89% had focal epilepsy and two thirds had co-morbidity (neurological deficits, behavioral, psychiatric or somatic problems).

The prevalence of epilepsy was higher than previously estimated and the treatment gap was substantial. Results should inform the planning of epilepsy care delivery in the country.