“Epilepsy Belt” Identified in Southeastern U.S., Study Links Heat, Sleep, and Access to Care to Higher Rates
HOUSTON, TX – A new national study has revealed a concentration of high epilepsy rates across several southeastern states, leading researchers to dub the region the “epilepsy belt.” The study, recently published and highlighted by Houston Methodist, identified Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas as having some of the highest incidence of epilepsy in the United States.
Researchers pinpointed several correlating factors contributing to the elevated rates. insufficient sleep was more prevalent in Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia. Southern states also experienced a greater number of days with extreme heat – defined as a heat index above 95 degrees – and states like Texas and Florida reported higher rates of uninsurance, particularly among younger adults.
“This is the first study documenting such a strong association between extreme heat and incident epilepsy in older adults across the U.S., highlighting the importance of climate change in emergency preparedness, especially given the graying of the population,” said siran Koroukian, professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
The “epilepsy belt” overlaps with the already-identified ”stroke belt,” a region known for its high stroke rates – another major risk factor for developing epilepsy. Approximately 3 million American adults are currently living with epilepsy, according to the CDC. While a cure remains elusive for most, the condition is often effectively managed through medication, surgery, and trigger management.
Researchers hope the findings will inform public health interventions aimed at epilepsy prevention and mitigation in high-risk areas. Potential strategies include improving sleep health, increasing heat resilience, and addressing barriers to healthcare access related to transportation and insurance.
