A historical perspective on the mortality associated with chronic epilepsy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the secular trend in the mortality associated with chronic epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using data from the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, UK, a residential centre for people with epilepsy, we determined the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in the Chalfont population for each 5-year epoch from 1896 to 1965. RESULTS: The SMR was found to be between 2 and 3 for most 5 year epochs from 1896 to 1965. CONCLUSION: Changes in the average age and disability of the residents at the Chalfont Centre confound a definite conclusion, but the evidence suggests the possibility that an excess mortality has been associated with chronic epilepsy for 100 years despite major changes in treatment.