Epidemiology and aetiology of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Data on the incidence of and prognosis for epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce, but prevalence data show that epilepsy is two or three times more common than in industrialised countries in non-tropical areas. The high prevalence of epilepsy and low life expectancy indicate that incidence is high. Relative contributions of each cause of epilepsy are difficult to determine. Only a few case-control studies have been done in sub-Saharan Africa. Infections, in particular cysticercosis in its endemic areas, cause most cases of epilepsy. The implementation of studies to accurately determine the causes of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa is urgently required. Such studies will help to lower the incidence of epilepsy in this region and better understand the aetiology of epilepsy in other areas.
Preux
Pierre-Marie
PM
Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology (EA 3174), Limoges, France. preux@unilim.fr <preux@unilim.fr>
Druet-Cabanac
Michel
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections / Q000150:complications; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000150:complications