The cost of epilepsy in the United States: An estimate from population-based clinical and survey data

Purpose: To provide 1995 estimates of the lifetime and annual cost of epile psy in the United States using data from patients with epilepsy, and adjust ing for the effects of comorbidities and socioeconomic conditions. Methods: Direct treatment-related costs of epilepsy from onset through 6 ye ars were derived from billing and medical chart data for 608 population-bas ed incident cases at two sites in different regions of the country. Indirec t productivity-related costs were derived from a survey of 1,168 adult pati ents visiting regional treatment centers. Direct costs separate the effects of epilepsy and comorbidity conditions. Indirect costs account for the eff ects of other disabilities and socioeconomic conditions on foregone earning s and household activity. The estimates were applied to 1995 population fig ures to derive national projections of the lifetime and annual costs of the disorder. Results: The lifetime cost of epilepsy for an estimated 181,000 people with onset in 1995 is projected at $11.1 billion, and the annual cost for the e stimated 2.3 million prevalent cases is estimated at $12.5 billion. Indirec t costs account for 85% of the total and, with direct costs, are concentrat ed in people with intractable epilepsy. Conclusions: Direct coats attributable to epilepsy are below previous estim ates. Indirect costs adjusted for the socioeconomic conditions of patients are above previous estimates. Findings indicate that epilepsy is unique in the large proportion of costs that are productivity-related, justifying fur ther investment in the development of effective interventions.