Frequency of a false positive diagnosis of epilepsy: A systematic review of observational studies

Newly diagnosed epilepsy is estimated at 47 per 100,000 person-years [1]. One study on 5,000 people with epilepsy (PWE) from 15 European countries reported that 96% of PWE were prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), among whom 88% reported at least one side effect (e.g. tiredness, memory problems, difficulty in concentrating or thinking clearly, nervousness and agitation, etc.) and 31% had changed their AEDs at least once in the last year because of side effects[2]. In addition, a diagnosis of epilepsy can impact on many aspects of persons’ life.

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