Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Behavioral problems in children with epilepsy in rural Kenya

Symon M Kariuki1, Amina Abubakar, Penny A Holding

  • 1Center for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya. skariuki@kilifi.kemri-wellcome.org

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|November 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with epilepsy (CWE) in Kenya exhibit significantly more behavioral problems than healthy children. Active epilepsy, cognitive issues, and focal seizures are key risk factors, highlighting the need for integrated care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children, often associated with various comorbidities.
  • Behavioral problems are frequently observed in children with epilepsy (CWE), impacting their quality of life and development.
  • Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for behavioral issues in CWE is crucial for effective intervention, particularly in under-resourced regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document behavioral problems in children with epilepsy (CWE) in Kilifi, Kenya.
  • To compare the prevalence of behavioral problems in CWE versus healthy controls.
  • To identify independent risk factors associated with behavioral problems in CWE.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 108 CWE and 108 age-matched healthy controls in Kilifi, Kenya.
  • Parental administration of a 15-item child behavioral questionnaire to assess behavioral problems.
  • Statistical analysis, including t-tests and regression, to compare groups and identify covariates.

Main Results:

  • Children with epilepsy (CWE) showed significantly higher mean scores for behavioral problems compared to controls (6.9 vs. 4.9, P<0.001).
  • A greater proportion of CWE (49%) reported behavioral problems versus controls (26%).
  • Active epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and focal seizures were identified as significant independent risk factors for behavioral problems in CWE.

Conclusions:

  • Behavioral problems are highly prevalent in African children with epilepsy (CWE).
  • Active epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and focal seizures are key predictors of these behavioral issues.
  • Comprehensive clinical services in the region must integrate assessment and management of behavioral problems for CWE.

More Related Videos

Behavioral And Physiological Analysis In A Zebrafish Model Of Epilepsy08:26

Behavioral And Physiological Analysis In A Zebrafish Model Of Epilepsy

Published on: October 19, 2021

Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale07:35

Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

Published on: July 8, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...