risk (chance) of having a second seizure following a first seizure

Last edited 08/2023 and last reviewed 09/2023

Risk (chance) of having a second seizure following a first seizure

• a single unprovoked seizure occurs in up to 3% to 4% of the population by age 85
  
  
• a review states that at six months the chances of having a second seizure event was 27%, whilst it was 36% at one year and finally at two years it was 43% (1)
  • chances of having a second seizure are slightly higher in children compared to adults

Reference:

• Neligan A, Adan G, Nevitt SJ, Pullen A, Sander JW, Bonnett L, Marson AG. Prognosis of adults and children following a first unprovoked seizure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD013847. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013847.pub2. Accessed 17 August 2023.