title: Multicultural challenges in epilepsy.
abstract: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition throughout the world. Its care involves medical expertise, but may also bring different cultural challenges. We discuss clinical, social and psychological outcomes in different cultural settings. We point out differences and similarities in epilepsy epidemiology (etiology and risk factors, prognosis, and natural history), disparities in care and health services, and cultural influences and traditional beliefs, with special respect to practical issues and possible transcultural misunderstandings. We also discuss the relevance of multicultural issues to clinicians working in developed countries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bartolini
authors.forename: Gail S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Josemir W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Sander
mesh_terms: D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003469:Culture; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications; D008288:Malaria / Q000150:complications; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000150:complications; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors