This study employed a population sampling procedure based on households to determine within the Sydney (Australia) area a minimum point prevalence ratio of epilepsy (defined as 3 or more seizures diagnosed by a doctor). This produced an estimate of 7.5 cases/1,000 population. 70% of the sample were maintained on anticonvulsant therapy, and approximately 30% were seizure-free and off medication. Only 15–20% had more than 2 seizures/year. The present study indicates that epilepsy is more common than the generally accepted prevalence ratio of 1/200 and that anticonvulsant medication effectively controls the majority of cases.