About 3 million adults and 470,000 children in the United States had active epilepsy in 2015, marking an all-time high, according to the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published Aug. 11.
The 2015 numbers mark an increase of 700,000 cases among U.S. adults since 2010 and an uptick of 20,000 cases among children since 2007. The increases are likely attributable to population growth.
"Millions of Americans are impacted by epilepsy, and unfortunately, this study shows cases are on the rise," said CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald, MD. "Proper diagnosis is key to finding an effective treatment — and at CDC we are committed to researching, testing and sharing strategies that will improve the lives of people with epilepsy."
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