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The estimated incidence (50-80 per 100,000 person-years) and prevalence rates (5-10 per 1000 person / year) for epilepsy have been found to be relatively consistent across high income countries [1–3]. Nevertheless, changes in demographics and risk factors mean that the epidemiology of epilepsy may change over time. For instance, in countries with an aging population, the increasing prevalence of diseases of old age such as stroke or dementia could increase the prevalence of epilepsy. Conversely, improved General Practitioner (GP) and specialist training, improved guidance for clinicians, better obstetric care and more accurate differential diagnosis could be leading to a reduction in the number of people with epilepsy.