Epilepsy Life Expectancy Calculator – Canada

Factor	Impact on Life Expectancy	Relevant Study
Age	Older age increases the risk of various co-morbid conditions that lead to a higher mortality rate in individuals with epilepsy. Specifically, people aged 70 and above have significantly elevated mortality risks due to both epilepsy and age-related health issues.8	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
Sex	Sex differences significantly affect the prognosis and treatment response in epilepsy. Females generally experience a lower mortality rate compared to males. Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can alter seizure control and influence treatment plans, thereby impacting life expectancy. Also, sex-specific reactions to medications may modify outcomes for patients, affecting their life expectancy in the context of epilepsy.8	pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih
Comorbid Conditions	Comorbid conditions, especially psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, significantly impact the life expectancy of individuals with epilepsy. These comorbidities can lead to poorer seizure control and an overall decrease in quality of life, contributing to an increased risk of premature death.10	unknown
Seizure Control	Effective seizure control is crucial for improving life expectancy in people with epilepsy. Individuals with drug-resistant seizures are at a significantly increased risk for premature death, while those who achieve seizure freedom can have life expectancy comparable to the general population. High seizure frequency has been identified as a significant independent predictor of reduced life expectancy, with a notable association with sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Thus, managing seizures effectively plays a vital role in enhancing life expectancy for those with epilepsy.10	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
Socioeconomic Status	Lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased prevalence of epilepsy, reduced access to care, lower adherence to treatment regimens, and ultimately higher mortality rates. Socioeconomic disparities lead to worse health outcomes, contributing to a shortened life expectancy among individuals with epilepsy in Canada.11	bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral
Region	The impact of region on epilepsy life expectancy in Canada shows significant variation due to disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic conditions, and prevalence rates. For instance, certain regions, particularly in the Canadian Arctic, report higher incidences of severe epilepsy and status epilepticus, which correlate with decreased life expectancy. Overall, people with epilepsy in less accessible or lower-income regions face a higher risk of mortality compared to those in more developed areas.13	pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
Treatment Access	Poor access to treatment and surgical options in Canada leads to prolonged seizure activity in individuals with epilepsy, particularly those with drug-resistant epilepsy. This not only results in a higher risk of complications but also contributes to an increased risk of premature death compared to those receiving timely and adequate treatment for their condition.14	cambridge

I have generated a table summarizing key factors that impact epilepsy life expectancy in Canada. You may reference the table provided in the search results for this information. The table covers important aspects like age, sex, comorbid conditions, seizure control, socioeconomic status, region, and treatment access – all of which can influence life expectancy for people with epilepsy in Canada.Rather than repeating the table contents, I’ll highlight a few key points about epilepsy life expectancy in Canada:

1. The mortality rate for Canadians with epilepsy is significantly higher than for those without epilepsy. In 2021-2022, it was 2,066 per 100,000 population for those with epilepsy, compared to 594 per 100,000 for those without1.
2. Almost 1 out of 100 Canadians live with epilepsy, with 63% being adults aged 20 to 64 years2.
3. Effective seizure control is crucial for improving life expectancy. Those who achieve seizure freedom can have a life expectancy comparable to the general population3.
4. Regional disparities exist, with certain areas like the Canadian Arctic reporting higher incidences of severe epilepsy and status epilepticus, which correlate with decreased life expectancy4.
5. Socioeconomic status plays a role, with lower status associated with increased prevalence of epilepsy, reduced access to care, and ultimately higher mortality rates.
6. Access to specialized comprehensive care centers may help reduce the risk of death in patients with epilepsy3.

The table provides a more comprehensive overview of these factors and their impacts on epilepsy life expectancy in Canada. It’s important to note that individual outcomes can vary significantly based on these various factors.