An Overview of The Harmful Cultural Practices on Epilepsy in Sub-Saharan Africa and Their Impact on Its Clinical Management

Abstract

Epilepsy remains a significant non-communicable disease with global health relevance. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 4 and 10 per 1000 people worldwide suffer from active epilepsy, with the African population having the highest associated morbidity and mortality. This review highlights the prevalence of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa using data collected via online resources, including Google Scholar and PubMed. It aims to highlight the various harmful traditional practices used in this part of the world to abort seizure attacks, as well as the common clinical examination and investigative findings noticed at the presentation after such traditional interventions have been applied, to better guide clinicians towards a more thorough management of such dynamic presentations.Harmful cultural beliefs and practices on the interventions of epileptic conditions are common in many developing countries across Africa, many of which have been found to cause more harm than good. Healthcare providers must be aware of these interventions and provide tailored and individualized care in their management.