ObjectiveTo explore the main risk factors related to the incidence of epilepsy and the cause of epilepsy, so as to provide basis for decision making on epilepsy prevention. MethodsSuch databases as PubMed (1980 to 2013.1.2), EMbase (1980 to 2013.1.2) and CNKI (1987 to 2013.1.2) were electronically searched to collect case-control studies on risk factors for epilepsy. Meanwhile, relevant studies were also manually retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. Results17 studies involving 6 641 participants (including 3 114 cases and 3 527 controls) were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, family history of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, febrile seizures, neonatal disease, and risk factors during pregnancy were associated with the incidence of epilepsy, with pooled OR (95%CI) values of 5.11 (3.19, 8.20), 4.14 (3.63, 4.73), 5.10 (2.64, 9.87), 3.33 (1.84, 6.05), and 3.23 (1.80, 5.78), respectively. ConclusionCurrently evidence shows that the risk factors influencing the incidence of epilepsy are family history of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, febrile seizures, neonatal disease, and risk factors during pregnancy.