Study of the Prevalence of Epilepsy Among Schoolchildren in Valladolid, Spain

A population study was performed to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy in the juvenile population of Valladolid, Spain. Using a mixed questionnaire (postal-domiciliary), we studied a sample of 5,100 primary school pupils (aged between 6 and 14 years) and 48 pupils receiving state-run special education. We also identified all the students receiving private special education and from specific special education centers belonging to the same age group (90 and 145, respectively). The prevalence of epilepsy in the school age population on December 1, 1987 was estimated at 5.72/1,000 inhabitants. Our results are comparable to those of other studies in Western countries.