Epidemiology of Epilepsy in a Dutch Outpatient University Clinic

An epidemiological analysis was performed of the adult outpatient epilepsy clinic population of a university hospital during the period from January 1st, 1980 to June 30th, 1985. The number of patients who could be traced amounted to 590. The sex distribution was male 1.58: female 1.00. The mean age was 37.5 years. The diagnoses were classified according to the Classification proposed by the ILAE in 1981. A preponderance of secondarily generalizing seizures was found (59%). Anticonvulsant drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy varied. Monotherapy was obtained in 4 6% of cases; three or more drugs were needed in 13% of patients.