Clinical and socio-economic factors among epileptic patients in Nepal: A big challenge

Abstract

Epilepsy is commonly found neurological disorder in developing countries where huge treatment gap exists. Amongst many etiologies, neuroinfection is found to be prevalent in developing countries. We designed a self-structured goal directed questionnaire and interviewed 20 consecutive patients with epilepsy. We also collected their clinical symptoms and neuroimaging reports. 70% were males. Majority (30%) had neuroinfection (20% neurocysticercosis and 10% meningitis). Eighty percent of patients had a belief on traditional healer. Epilepsy in Nepal still remains a big challenge. Public awareness to reduce infections may help in reducing seizure incidence and prevalence in developing countries like ours.

Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 29-33

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6677