A systematic review and meta-analysis of international studies on the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy found that the point prevalence of active epilepsy was 6.38 per 1,000 persons (95% CI 5.57–7.30), while the lifetime prevalence was 7.60 per 1,000 persons (95% CI 6.17–9.38). The annual cumulative incidence was 67.77 per 100,000 persons (95% CI 56.69–81.03), and the incidence rate was 61.44 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 50.75–74.38). The prevalence of epilepsy did not differ by age group, sex, or study quality, but was higher in low- and middle-income countries. Epilepsies of unknown etiology and those with generalized seizures had the highest prevalence. The study identified significant gaps in the literature, including a lack of incidence studies and stratification by age groups. Standardized reporting of future epidemiologic studies is needed. The study highlights the need for further research to address these gaps and improve the understanding of epilepsy's global burden. The results suggest that epilepsy is a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden is higher. The study also notes that factors such as country income level, seizure type, and epilepsy etiology contribute to the heterogeneity in prevalence and incidence estimates. The authors emphasize the importance of future studies that follow standardized reporting guidelines to reduce heterogeneity and improve the comparability of results across different regions and populations.A systematic review and meta-analysis of international studies on the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy found that the point prevalence of active epilepsy was 6.38 per 1,000 persons (95% CI 5.57–7.30), while the lifetime prevalence was 7.60 per 1,000 persons (95% CI 6.17–9.38). The annual cumulative incidence was 67.77 per 100,000 persons (95% CI 56.69–81.03), and the incidence rate was 61.44 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 50.75–74.38). The prevalence of epilepsy did not differ by age group, sex, or study quality, but was higher in low- and middle-income countries. Epilepsies of unknown etiology and those with generalized seizures had the highest prevalence. The study identified significant gaps in the literature, including a lack of incidence studies and stratification by age groups. Standardized reporting of future epidemiologic studies is needed. The study highlights the need for further research to address these gaps and improve the understanding of epilepsy's global burden. The results suggest that epilepsy is a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden is higher. The study also notes that factors such as country income level, seizure type, and epilepsy etiology contribute to the heterogeneity in prevalence and incidence estimates. The authors emphasize the importance of future studies that follow standardized reporting guidelines to reduce heterogeneity and improve the comparability of results across different regions and populations.