Objective To determine the prevalence and types of epilepsy in Bangladesh. Methods We conducted a nationwide population‐based cross‐sectional survey among Bangladeshi population of all ages, except children under one month. We surveyed 9839 participants (urban, 4918; rural, 4920) recruited at their households using multistage cluster sampling. Trained physicians with neurology background confirmed the diagnosis of suspected epilepsy cases identified by interviewer‐administered questionnaires. We reported the overall and sex, residence, and age groups‐specific prevalence of epilepsy per 1000 populations with 95% confidence interval. Results The national prevalence of epilepsy per 1000 was 8.4 (95% CI 5.6‐11.1), urban 8.0 (4.6‐11.4), and rural 8.5 (5.60‐11.5). The prevalence in adult males and females was 9.2 (5.7‐12.6) and 7.7 (3.6‐11.7), respectively. The prevalence in children aged <18 years (8.2, 3.4‐13.0 was similar to adults (8.5 (5.4‐11.4). Among all epilepsy cases, 65.1% had active epilepsy. Their (active epilepsy) prevalence was 5.8 (3.5‐8.1). Of them, 63.4% were not receiving treatment. Moreover, those who received allopathy treatment, 72.5% had low adherence leading to a high treatment gap. Significance Our findings out of this first‐ever national survey were similar to other Asian countries. However, the prevalence of active epilepsy and treatment gap were considerably higher. This study serves useful evidence for tailoring interventions aimed to reduce the burden of epilepsy—primarily through targeted community awareness program—and access to antiepileptic treatment in health facilities in Bangladesh.

Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) is an autosomal recessive disease of leucine metabolism due to deficiency of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD). In this case report a five years old boy was admitted to National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital, Dhaka Bangladesh with the history of fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, stupor and extreme sleepiness for 3 days. Second degree consanguinity was documented between the parents. Neurological examination revealed exaggerated reflexes and ankle clonus was present bilaterally. EEG and MRI of brain had normal results. Urine organic acid analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed slight increment in concentration of 3 hydroxyisovaleric acid and an elevated concentration of isovalerylglycine. Tandem mass spectrometry of acylcarnitines in dried blood spots showed elevated C5-carnitine isovalerylcarnitine (10.3umol/l). Based on history, clinical examination and laboratory results, a diagnosis of isovaleric academia was ascertained. Patient was treated accordingly with rehydration fluid, correction of metabolic acidosis, antibiotic and supportive care Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2019;6(1):64-66

Background: Migraine is one of the most common neurologic conditions in children .Migraine is the commonest cause of severe recurrent headache in children. Clinical presentations of migraine vary according to patient age. Objective: To study demographic, clinical profile and factors associated with migraine of children in outpatient department of a referral neurologic hospital. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the outpatient department of Paediatric Neurology, National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital (NINS), Dhaka from January to July, 2018. Children of 5-15 years of migraine with / without aura of severe / moderate intensity were included to document demographic, clinical profile and factors influencing migraine. Result: Most of the patients were in the age group of 10-14 years 57 (71.25%). Children of both sexes are almost equally suffered from migraine (M vs F, 51.25% vs 48.75%).Most of the children had ³5 attacks/month. Unilateral headache (55%) was more common than bilateral (45%). Regarding quality of pain aching pain (53.75%) was more prevalent followed by tightening 18.75%, pulsating 17.5%. Aura was present in 27.5%. Nausea was present in 67.5% but vomiting was only in 32% patients. 65% patients had photophobia. Among patients 65% had family history of migraine. 86% patients took abortive drugs during attack. Bright sunshine was the most common precipitating factors for migraine attack followed by stress 37%. Most of the patients relieved from pain by taking rest (78%). Conclusion: Migraine was more common in late childhood and early teen age. Boys and girls were almost equally affected. Most common clinical findings were unilateral aching pain, nausea and photophobia. Bright sunshine, stress are the most common aggravating factors for migraine. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(2): 91-93

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a progressive neurological disorder of childhood and early adolescence. It is caused by persistent defective measles virus1.We report a ten years old normally developed female patient who came with a history of drop attacks while walking, declining scholastic performance, progressively increasing myoclonic jerks. She had history of measles at five years of age though she was vaccinated as per EPI schedule. Physical examination and cerebrospinal fluid findings along with EEG changes in addition supported its diagnosis as a case of SSPE. The presence of increased urinary excretion of copper in SSPE is so far not yet reported in any published literature.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2017;3(2): 113-115

Background: Determination of thalassaemia carrier is the mainstay of prevention and in this context red cell indices like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) provide valuable tool for determination thalassaemia carrier. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the diagnostic test validity of combined use of MCV and MCH for the determination of thalassaemia carrier. Methodology: This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medicine at MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh from September 2007 to January 2009 for a period of one year and five months. Siblings and cousins of beta thalassaemia major and haemoglobin-E (Hb-E) beta thalassaemia at any age with both sexes were selected for this study. Detailed history and thorough physical examination were performed meticulously. MCV, MCH and Hb-Electrophoresis were performed in all patients. Result: A total 128 siblings and cousins of beta thalassaemia major and Hb-E -beta thalassaemia were recruited for this study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of combine MCV & MCH in determination of thalassaemia carriers are 95.2%, 93.8%, 93.7% and 95.3% respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion combined use of MCV and MCH has high diagnostic validity for the detection of thalassaemia carrier.