African Americans

 

African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with epilepsy than Caucasians and more likely to experience medical emergencies related to epilepsy. For many African Americans, stigma and access to appropriate care are major concerns. Read more about the resources and information we provide to help make a difference for African Americans living with epilepsy.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 578,000 African Americans have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Over 25,000 African Americans are diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy each year. In fact, African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with epilepsy than White Americans*. This is due to several contributing factors, such as strokes.

In addition, African Americans are also:

  • More likely to be diagnosed with epilepsy in an emergency room than White Americans*
  • More likely to develop epilepsy during their lifetime than White Americans*
  • More likely to experience a seizure which continues for five minutes or more without stopping (status epilepticus)

While African Americans with seizures and epilepsy are more likely to experience the critical issues mentioned above, they are less likely to experience active epilepsy than White Americans.* This means, African Americans are more likely to have seizures that are controlled by medication.

"An estimated 25,000 African Americans are diagnosed with a new case of epilepsy each year in the U.S."

*References: National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2017 and National Survey for Children's Health (NSCH) 2018-2019
CDC. MMWR 2012, Nov 16;61(45):909-913.
National Research Council. (2012). Epilepsy Across the Spectrum: Promoting Health and Understanding. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

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Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

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Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

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Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

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