Background: Epilepsy in children is a significant public health concern. The study aims to synthesize evidence regarding the global prevalence and incidence rates of epilepsy among children and adolescents, as well as the associated risk factors.
Materials and Methods: In this overview, online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for related studies up to May 2024. The selection procedure was conducted by two reviewers.
Results: In total, six studies were included in the analysis. Approximately 0.9 million children in Europe have active epilepsy, with a prevalence of 4.5 to 5.0 per 1,000. In Africa, the cumulative prevalence is 17.3 per 1,000, with active epilepsy at 6.8 per 1,000. Prevalence rates vary regionally from 3.2 to 8.1 per 1,000 in developed areas and from 3.6 to 44 per 1,000 in developing regions. The highest prevalence occurs in children aged 5 to 9 years, at approximately 374.8 per 100,000. The estimated annual incidence rate for children in Europe is around 70 per 100,000, with overall rates ranging from 41 to 187 per 100,000, particularly higher in underdeveloped countries during the first year of life. Common causes of epilepsy differ by region: developing countries often cite birth asphyxia and infectious diseases, while developed nations report brain tumors and traumatic injuries. Socioeconomic factors significantly influence these rates, leading to higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Conclusion: The global burden of epilepsy among children is significantly higher in low- and middle-income countries, influenced by geographic and socioeconomic factors. This highlights the urgent need for early detection and targeted public health interventions, particularly since the highest incidence occurs during the first year of life.