Study Finds 236 Infants per Lakh Develop Epilepsy
A global meta-analysis of 86 studies across 30 countries estimates early-onset epilepsy rates in children's first two years of life.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Diseases — General
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Researchers from NIPER Mohali and PGIMER Chandigarh published a global epilepsy meta-analysis in JAMA Neurology on November 2. The study estimates that around 236 children per 1 lakh live births develop epilepsy within their first two years.
Why it matters
The analysis consolidates evidence spanning over five decades, offering a global picture of neonatal and infantile-onset epilepsies. Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, also known as West syndrome, is highlighted as an important cause of severe epilepsy in young children.
The estimate of 236 per 1 lakh live births is derived from 86 studies across 30 countries, with the JAMA Neurology journal carrying an impact factor of 23.6. The source does not specify the breakdown of cases by individual country or epilepsy subtype.
The players
NIPER Mohali
The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Mohali is a leading Indian pharmaceutical research institution.
PGIMER Chandigarh
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh is one of India's premier medical teaching and research hospitals.
JAMA Neurology
JAMA Neurology is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association covering neurological research.
The details
The research, titled 'Global Epidemiology of Neonatal and Infantile-Onset Epilepsies and Epilepsy Syndromes (GENIE),' was led by Prof Dipika Bansal of NIPER Mohali and Prof Jitendra Kumar Sahu of PGIMER Chandigarh, with PhD scholars Mohammed Safeer V S and Akanksha Singh spearheading the work. The team synthesized global evidence to characterize early-life epilepsy incidence.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: JAMA Neurology publishes the GENIE epilepsy meta-analysis.
Health Landscape
The study sits within the decades-long effort to map neonatal and infantile-onset epilepsy globally, consolidating evidence across 86 studies. It reflects a broader shift toward large-scale synthesis of pediatric neurological data rather than single-cohort reporting.
Parents of young children can note that epilepsy onset in the first two years is more common than often assumed, with an estimated 236 cases per 1 lakh live births. Early recognition of symptoms such as infantile epileptic spasms may support timely clinical evaluation.
The takeaway
Early-life epilepsy is a meaningful pediatric concern globally, and this consolidated estimate can help clinicians and families understand its scale. Awareness of conditions like West syndrome may help prompt earlier diagnosis.
Further reading
Explore more on Diseases — General for broader context on epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
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