[Tumor-related epilepsy in adults in Gabon: diagnostic problems and therapeutic management]

The incidence of supratentorial brain tumors revealed by epileptic seizure is certainly underestimated in developing countries due to the lack of adequate diagnostic facilities. This report describes 10 cases of tumor-related epilepsy observed in Gabon over a 54-month period. Tumor-related seizures accounted for 5% of patients hospitalized for epilepsy in neurosurgical and neurologic units in Gabon during the study period. In two patients who refused surgery, diagnosis of the tumor was made solely on angiographic findings. Surgery was performed in 8 patients based on electroencephalographic and arteriographic findings. There were 4 astrocytomas, 3 meningiomas, and 1 glioblastoma. One patient died 8 days after the procedure due to convulsions. Another patient was lost from follow-up three months after the procedure. The remaining 6 patients are asymptomatic with follow-up periods ranging from 10 to 72 months (mean: 40.6 months). The value of early diagnosis and resection as well as post-operative use of antiepileptic drugs is emphasized.