title: Risk factors for epilepsy in Nigerians - a cross-sectional case-control study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The identification of risk factors that predispose to development of epilepsy is crucial to its primary prevention. This study evaluated the risks conferred by some predisposing factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional analytical study assessed the relative contributions of various risk factors to development of epilepsy in 244 adult Nigerians with epilepsy compared with equal number of age- and sex-matched controls. Odds ratio and Fisher exact test were used to express significant association.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Birth asphyxia (OR 6.87), recurrent childhood febrile convulsions (OR 5.74), central nervous system (CNS) infections (OR 3.38), head trauma (OR 1.82), rural dwelling without health care access (OR 2.44), and history of epilepsy in first-degree relatives (OR 3.44) were identified as significant risk factors for epilepsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment for febrile diseases and CNS infections, use of head helmets and car seat belts would contribute to reduced incidence.
authors.affiliation: Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Ogunrin
authors.forename: O Y
authors.initials: OY
authors.lastname: Obiabo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Obehigie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: birth asphyxia; case-control; epilepsy; family history; head trauma; risk factors