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Epilepsy: Asia versus Africa
Devender Bhalla1, Achille Edem Tchalla, Benoît Marin
1Tropical Neuroepidemiology, INSERM UMR1094, Limoges, France; School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, University of Limoges, CNRS FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France; Dupuytren Hospital, Unit of Geriatry and Home-Based Care, University Hospital Center of Limoges, Limoges, France.
Epilepsia
|August 6, 2014
Summary
Epilepsy is not an "African ailment." Research indicates Asia has a greater disease burden and more epilepsy cases than Africa, challenging common beliefs with scientific evidence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epilepsy is frequently mischaracterized as an
- African ailment
- in international health discourse and scientific literature.
- This perception may stem from popular beliefs rather than empirical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the notion of epilepsy as an
- African ailment
- by comparing its prevalence, burden, and associated factors in Asia and Africa.
- To challenge prevailing misconceptions with scientific evidence.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of published reports and articles.
- Gathering and analyzing evidence on epilepsy, risk factors, and associated factors in Asian and African populations.
Main Results:
- Asia bears a greater overall disease burden (5.0%) and neuropsychiatric disorder burden (17.0%) compared to Africa.
- Asia has significantly more individuals with epilepsy (23 million) than Africa (3.3 million).
- Asia faces challenges with more untreated epilepsy cases and higher annual incidence rates, necessitating urgent attention.
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy cannot be scientifically classified as an
- African ailment
- as the evidence points to a greater impact in Asia.
- The characterization of epilepsy as solely an African issue is likely based on unsubstantiated beliefs.
- There is an urgent need to acknowledge and address the significant burden of epilepsy in Asia.
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