Estimating risk for developing epilepsy: a population-based study in Rochester, Minnesota.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Previous studies that have assessed the risk of developing epilepsy have failed to account for the competing risk of death, significant in the elderly where epilepsy incidence is highest. We report the lifetime risk for epilepsy, accounting for the competing risk of mortality.

Methods

Lifetime risk and cumulative incidence of epilepsy were examined among Rochester, MN, residents between 1960 and 1979. Age-, gender-, and calendar year-specific deaths were obtained for Rochester, MN. Lifetime risk was calculated as the conditional probability of developing epilepsy by a specific age for a person reaching that age who had not yet developed epilepsy. Lifetime risk and cumulative incidence were compared for age and time period.

Results

We identified 412 individu

SUBMITTER: Hesdorffer DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3032191 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature