Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization
Published on: September 20, 2024
Prevalence and treatment gap in childhood epilepsy in a north Indian city: a community-based study
Swati Pandey1, Pratibha Singhi, Bhavneet Bharti
1Advanced Pediatrics Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India, 160012.
Insights
This study found a childhood epilepsy prevalence of 6.24/1000 in North India. Addressing this neurological disorder requires better epidemiological data for effective community-based interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood epilepsy is a common neurological disorder.
- Limited epidemiological data hinders service planning in developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and treatment gap of childhood epilepsy in North India (ages 1-18).
Main Methods:
- Employed a two-stage stratified cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size (PPS).
- Utilized a 10-question screening questionnaire to identify potential epilepsy cases.
- Applied International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) definitions for diagnosis and treatment gap calculation.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of epilepsy was found to be 6.24 per 1000 population.
- Febrile seizures and neurocysticercosis were identified as the leading causes of symptomatic seizures in children.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological data on childhood epilepsy is crucial for optimizing community approaches.
- Improved understanding can lead to better outcomes for children with epilepsy.
Background:
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders prevalent in childhood period. There is scarcity of epidemiological data, required to plan services in resource constrained developing nations.
Objective:
To study the prevalence and treatment gap in childhood epilepsy in north Indian city, in the age group of 1-18 years.
Methods:
A two stage stratified cluster sampling; probability proportionate to size (PPS) was employed. A ten question screening questionnaire was employed to identify the presence of epilepsy. Definitions provided by International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) were used to classify screen positive subjects as epilepsy and to calculate the treatment gap.
Results:
The prevalence rate for epilepsy was 6.24/1000 population. Febrile seizures and neurocysticercosis were most common causes of symptomatic seizures in childhood.
Conclusion:
This study of epidemiology of epilepsy provides valuable aid in optimizing effective community approach, thereby improving outcomes of childhood epilepsy.
More Related Videos
10:22Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
Published on: December 6, 2016
07:01Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Epilepsy ll: Types
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures l: Introduction
Seizures ll: Types
Encephalitis l: Introduction