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Summary Purpose Epilepsy is a major clinical and social issue in Africa. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and therapeutic outcome in rural Djidja in Benin. Methods This was a two‐phase study with a cross‐sectional phase and 18 months of follow‐up. In the first phase, information was obtained using door‐to‐door surveys, reports from key informants, and medical sources. People were interviewed using a validated screening questionnaire for epilepsy in tropical regions. The diagnosis of epilepsy was confirmed by a neurologist. We used a capture–recapture method to estimate the number of people with epilepsy (PWE). PWE were followed every month for 18 months after the cross‐sectional survey. We asked the health services, the general population, and village leaders in the study area to identify suspected cases of epilepsy occurring during the follow‐up. New cases were updated every month after confirmation. Antiepileptic drugs were prescribed to PWE. Key Findings We surveyed 11,668 subjects (male‐to‐female ratio 0.9) and identified 123 PWE, yielding a prevalence of 10.5 per 1,000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.8–12.6/1,000). Combining the three sources, we found 148 PWE and a prevalence of 12.7 per 1,000 (95% CI 10.7–14.9/1,000). After application of the capture–recapture method, the prevalence was estimated to be as high as 38.4 per 1,000 (95% CI 34.9–41.9/1,000). The cumulative incidence was 104.2 per 100,000 and the mean annual incidence was 69.4 per 100,000. The mean annual mortality was 20.8 per 1,000. After treatment, 45% of PWE had total seizure remission and 35% had a decrease in the number of seizures. Significance This study shows that door‐to‐door survey findings could be improved by using information from other sources. The follow‐up suggests that epilepsy could be controlled. Continuous drug delivery and regular follow‐up are key.

Summary Purpose:  Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic condition characterized by multiple seizure types including tonic seizures, slow spike‐and‐wave discharges on electroencephalography (EEG), and cognitive impairment. LGS can occur in apparently healthy subjects or in patients with preexisting brain damage. The onset peaks between 3 and 5 years of age and the prognosis is usually poor. Herein we report 13 subjects with trisomy 21 who developed LGS. Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and EEG data of consecutive patients with LGS and trisomy 21 referred to five epilepsy centers over the last 30 years. Results:  Data for 13 patients (8 male, 5 female) were collected. The mean age at onset was 9.1 years (range 5–16). The mean age at last follow‐up was 23.5 years (range 11–43 years). Seizure onset was after age 8 years in eight (62%) patients and between age 5 and 8 in the other five. In none of the cases did a West syndrome precede the onset of LGS. Nine of 13 patients (69%) had unambiguous reflex seizures, mostly precipitated by sudden unexpected sensory stimulations, usually preceding or accompanying the onset of a full‐blown LGS picture. Interictal and ictal EEG findings were typical for LGS. All patients were drug‐resistant. Discussion:  Patients with trisomy 21 may present a peculiar LGS, characterized by late onset and high occurrence of reflex seizures. Mechanisms underlying this particular presentation of LGS may include dendritic rarefaction and decreased interneurons, as well as functional abnormalities leading to overall decreased brain inhibition in these patients.

Migraine is a very common neurological disorder worldwide. Its prevalence is lower in developing countries. There were no data concerning the general population in Benin. We aimed to determine the prevalence of migraine in a rural community of Benin. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Abomey from February to April 2003 and included 1113 persons selected by a two-stage survey. A case was defined according to International Headache Society criteria (1988). Of the 1113 persons, 37 had migraine. The lifetime prevalence of migraine was 3.3% (male 2.2%, female 4.0%). The peak prevalence was found in persons in the second decade of life. Higher levels of education were associated with migraine. Migraine without aura was the more frequent form (67.5%). The most frequent triggers of migraine were annoyance (73.0%), exposure to the sun (73.0%), heat (65.0%) and anxiety (51.4%). The low prevalence rate of migraine in Benin confirmed the results of the few available African studies. The disease is severe and occurs in a young population and could lead to a high socio-economical burden.

The risk of venous thromboembolic is recognized but poorly managed in this Bénin teaching hospital.