Up to 37,000 with epilepsy in Ireland

Up to 37,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy, and this number may be increasing, according to Brainwave The Irish Epilepsy Association.

New data has revealed accurate figures on the number of people with epilepsy in Ireland for the first time. The study is the first national epilepsy prevalence study undertaken anywhere in Europe, and is being launched in Dublin today as part of National Epilepsy Week.

The study confirmed that epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition presenting in Ireland today. It found that nine per 1000 people over the age of five are being treated for epilepsy, and the number has gradually increased in the last few years.

According to the researchers, an average of 17 cases of epilepsy are seen each week per consultant neurologists, and each GP in the country has an average of 13 patients with epilepsy.

An estimated 67 episodes of in-patient care are occurring weekly in Irish hospitals as a result of epilepsy. The condition was found to be more prevalent as age increases and is slightly more commonly observed in men.

According to Brainwave CEO, Mike Glynn, epilepsy has suffered ‘historical neglect and lack of investment’ in Ireland.

“While it is clear we are living in changed economic times, Brainwave believes that there are a number of cost-effective measures which could be put in place to not only improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy, but which would also deliver major savings in public expenditure in the medium to long term,” he said.

According to Brainwave, at the top of the list of measures is the creation of additional epilepsy specialist nurse posts.

“Increasing the number of specialist nurses from just four to 14, two per HSE Region, would fill many of the service gaps that exist on the ground and deliver major public savings in terms of disability living allowances, reduced medico-legal costs and reduced costs through misdiagnosis.

“Despite evidence that specialist nurses reduce the length of stay in hospital, reduce waiting list and increase patient satisfaction, there has been no addition to the number since 2004,” Mr Glynn said.

National Epilepsy Week takes place from the 18th to 24th of May. For further information on events around the country, see www.epilepsy.ie or contact Brainwave at 01 4557500.

For more on epilepsy, see our dedicated clinic at http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/epilepsy/index.html

[Posted: Tue 19/05/2009]