Epidemiological analysis of epilepsy hospitalizations in Brazil, between 2020 and 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, the origin of which is not always known. This condition primarily affects countries with lower incomes, such as Brazil, where it has a significant economic impact, estimated at around twenty million reais annually in hospital costs. Additionally, the disease has a systemic impact on the population's health, contributing to both physical and neuropsychiatric deficits. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of epilepsy-related hospitalizations in Brazil between 2020 and 2024. Methodology: This is a descriptive ecological study based on secondary data extracted from the Hospital Production (SIH/SUS) of the Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), which analyzed the number of epilepsy hospitalization notifications from 2020 to 2024. Data were collected in March 2025, with tables organized using the Microsoft Office Excel program (version 2010). Results and Discussion: Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 296,735 epilepsy hospitalizations were recorded in Brazil. The Southeast region is the most affected; however, although this region has the highest absolute number of hospitalizations, the South and Midwest regions have a higher hospitalization rate per capita. It can also be inferred that the reduction in hospitalizations in 2020 and 2021 is related to the fear and misinformation spread during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is noted that the age group from 1 to 4 years is the most affected, and the elderly age groups of 60 to 69 and 70 to 79 are consecutively the first and second groups with the most deaths recorded. Conclusion: The importance of continuous studies on epilepsy is evident, both to understand why this disease primarily affects children and to improve available treatments. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure access to treatment for the entire population and implement educational programs on epilepsy in schools, aiming to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for children living with this condition.