Epilepsy among the homeless: prevalence and characteristics

Eur J Public Health. 2006 Oct;16(5):484-6. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckl011. Epub 2006 Jan 30.

Abstract

Homelessness is associated with several risk factors for epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is a stigmatizing condition, which can lead to problematic social adjustment and competence. We found a markedly higher prevalence of seizures among the homeless than that estimated in the general population, with a large majority of non-alcoholic etiology. Unexpected proportion of subject taking treatment and compliance rate call for reflection on the optimal management of epilepsy in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Epilepsy / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paris / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Seizures / etiology