Increased prevalence of seizure disorders among prisoners
- 23 June 1978
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA
- Vol. 239 (25) , 2674-2675
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.239.25.2674
Abstract
To determine the prevalence of seizure disorders among persons confined to jails and prison, the prescription rates for anticonvulsant medications in 10 Illinois [USA] correctional institutions were surveyed. The institutions housed 12,030 persons at the time of the survey. Analysis of the results of the survey suggests a point prevalence of seizure disorders of 1.9% among the Illinois prison and jail population. This estimated prevalence of seizure disorders is approximately 3 times higher than among middle-class nonprisoner populations on which previous epidemiologic studies of epilepsy were based. Special programs and resources for the detection, treatment and prevention of seizure disorders among prisoners appear necessary. Provisions to ensure continuity of care after release from incarceration are also needed.This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: