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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
Epilepsy in South Africa
1Division of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. reastman@uctgsh1.uct.ac.za
Abstract:
Since its first democratic elections in 1994, South Africa has undertaken a massive social reconstruction program that has included major healthcare reform. The state healthcare system aims to provide a unitary service, based on a primary healthcare approach, to the 85% of the population who depend on it. Although the burden of epilepsy is largely unknown, it is likely to be large, with a study of children in a large rural community, for example, demonstrating an active prevalence of 6.7/1000. Common causes of epilepsy are likely to include infectious diseases, such as neurocysticercosis and HIV/AIDS, trauma and alcohol consumption. Limited evidence suggests the existence of a large treatment gap in some areas. The management and treatment of epilepsy are also greatly influenced by cultural attitudes and beliefs, which vary widely. South Africa thus provides a microcosm of issues affecting the management of epilepsy worldwide.
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