Study identifies US 'Epilepsy Belt' linked to poor sleep and heat
Study maps US 'Epilepsy Belt' in the South, linking higher rates to poor sleep and heat.
Why it matters
- Identifies regional disparities in epilepsy rates among older adults.
- Highlights potential environmental and social factors contributing to epilepsy.
By the numbers
- Study analyzed Medicare claims from 2016 to 2019.
- New epilepsy diagnoses in 2019 ranged from 141 to 1,476 cases per 100,000.
- Hotspots: Louisiana, Eastern Texas, Central Oklahoma, and parts of the Deep South.
The big picture
- Epilepsy risk in older adults linked to regional conditions.
- Public health strategies could target sleep quality and heat exposure.
What they're saying
- Comments suggest additional factors like poor air/water quality.
- Concerns about the accuracy of diagnosis locations.
- Mentions of historical treatment practices affecting regional health outcomes.
Caveats
- Study is ecological, focusing on regions rather than individuals.
- Personal risk depends on various factors like stroke history, genetics, etc.
What’s next
- Public health agencies and policymakers can use the map to guide interventions.
- High-burden regions may need more resources like neurologists and clinics.