Epilepsy Life Expectancy Calculator
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key information about epilepsy and life expectancy:
| Factor | Life Expectancy Impact |
|---|---|
| Average Reduction in Life Expectancy (Men) | 12 years34 |
| Average Reduction in Life Expectancy (Women) | 11 years34 |
| Males with Poorly Controlled Epilepsy | 10 years2 |
| Females with Poorly Controlled Epilepsy | 11 years2 |
| Life Expectancy with Cryptogenic Epilepsy | 3.4 years reduction5 |
| Life Expectancy with Symptomatic Epilepsy | 7 years reduction5 |
| Epilepsy with Psychiatric Comorbidity | 13-16 years reduction3 |
Key Points to Know
- Variability: The impact on life expectancy varies depending on the type of epilepsy, its cause, and how well it’s controlled.
- Symptomatic vs. Cryptogenic: Symptomatic epilepsy (with a known cause) generally has a more significant impact on life expectancy compared to cryptogenic epilepsy (unknown cause)15.
- Control of Seizures: Well-controlled epilepsy may only reduce life expectancy by about 2 years, while poorly controlled epilepsy can reduce it by approximately 10 years2.
- Comorbidities: The presence of psychiatric comorbidities can further reduce life expectancy in people with epilepsy3.
- Causes of Death: The reduced life expectancy is associated with various causes, including neurological conditions, cardiovascular diseases, accidents, and suicide34.
- Age of Onset: Epilepsy can develop at any age, but it’s more common in children and those over 652.
- Prevention: Focusing on managing psychiatric comorbidities and addressing modifiable risk factors for preventable causes of death can help improve life expectancy3.
- Individual Variation: It’s important to note that these figures are averages, and individual cases may vary significantly based on personal health factors and epilepsy management.
Understanding these factors can help individuals with epilepsy and their healthcare providers develop more effective management strategies to improve quality of life and potentially extend life expectancy.