Do Epileptics Have a Shorter Lifespan?

Reduction in life expectancy can be up to 2 years for people with a diagnosis of idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy, and the reduction can be up to 10 years in people with symptomatic epilepsy. Reductions in life expectancy are highest at the time of diagnosis and diminish with time.

How long can epileptics live?

Ninety-six percent of these children reached the age of 10 years, 89% the age of 20 years and 80% the age of 40 years. In the same study, 87% of children with idiopathic seizures reached 40 years of age, compared with 93% of those with cryptogenic seizures and 73% of those with remote symptomatic seizures.

Can epileptics live long lives?

Many people with epilepsy can conduct a normal life. However, patients who have had epilepsy for a long time or whose epilepsy is difficult to control are at higher risk for unemployment. They may also need assistance in their daily life activities.