Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Mental health problems in Nigerian children with epilepsy: associations and risk factors

I A Lagunju1, T T Bella-Awusah, I Takon

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. ilagunju@yahoo.co.uk

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Behavioral problems are common in Nigerian children with epilepsy, affecting nearly half of those studied. Learning difficulties and delayed diagnosis independently predicted these issues, highlighting the need for mental health support.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Epilepsy is the most common pediatric neurological disorder globally.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa bears a significant burden of childhood epilepsy.
  • Limited research exists on behavioral problems in children with epilepsy in this region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and patterns of behavioral problems in Nigerian children with epilepsy.
  • To identify factors associated with psychopathology in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 84 children aged ≥5 years with epilepsy at a Nigerian pediatric neurology clinic.
  • Behavioral problems were assessed using the Rutter A2 scale.
  • Statistical analysis included logistic regression to identify predictors of psychopathology.

Main Results:

  • Behavioral problems were identified in 46.6% of the children studied.
  • These problems were more frequent in males.
  • Associated learning difficulties (OR 5.13) and diagnosis within 6 months of seizure onset (OR 4.54) were independent predictors of psychopathology.

Conclusions:

  • Emotional and behavioral problems are prevalent in Nigerian children with epilepsy.
  • Early diagnosis and addressing learning difficulties are crucial for managing psychopathology.
  • There is an urgent need for integrated mental health services for children with epilepsy in Nigeria.

More Related Videos

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy09:57

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

Published on: September 20, 2024

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury09:16

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: June 21, 2019

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:
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,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...