Risk factors for epilepsy – low and middle-income countries

Data for this analysis were provided by large population-based cross-sectional and case‒control studies conducted in regions within Kenya (2007‒2008), South Africa (2008‒2009), Uganda (2009), Tanzania (2009), and Ghana (2010‒2011).¹ Only cases of active, convulsive epilepsy were included as they were most reliably detected and reported.¹ When compared with controls, in children aged <18 years with epilepsy, the frequency of the following were significantly higher: a family history of seizures, maternal seizures, an abnormal antenatal period, difficulties feeding, crying or breathing, any other problems after birth, head injury, hospitalization for malaria and/or fever, and positivity for the worm Onchocerca volvulus.¹

Reference:

1.Ngugi AK, Bottomley C, Kleinschmidt I, et al. Prevalence of active convulsive epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa and associated risk factors: cross-sectional and case-control studies. Lancet Neurol 2013; 12 (3): 253–263.