Longitudinal study of chronic stress effects on epilepsy prevalence

The relationship between chronic stress exposure and epilepsy prevalence in adults over a 3-year follow-up period is of interest. Hence, a cohort of 145 stress-exposed individuals and matched controls were assessed using validated stress scales and neurological evaluations. Chronic stress was found to significantly increase the risk of new-onset epilepsy, particularly in those with comorbid anxiety and sleep disorders. Neuroinflammatory and neuroendocrine mechanisms are suggested as mediators. Thus, we show the need for early stress intervention in epilepsy prevention.