Risk factors for epilepsy: case-control study in Nigerians

In a case-control study we compared 155 Nigerians affected by epilepsy, with an equal number of controls matched for age and sex, with the aim of identifying risk factors of epilepsy. Febrile convulsions and head trauma (with odds ratios of 11.0 and 13.0, respectively) were significant risk factors (p less than 0.01). Childhood immunizations were found associated with a decreased risk of epilepsy. None of the following factors was significantly associated with epilepsy: hemoglobinopathy, venereal disease, use of psychotropic drugs or alcohol, and cerebrovascular disease. Preventive measures for the risk factors identified are suggested as ways of reducing the burden of epilepsy in Nigeria.