Epidemiology of Major Neurological Disorders Project in Al Kharga District, New Valley, Egypt

Abstract

Background/Methods: A door-to-door (‘every door’) study was carried out to assess the incidence and prevalence rates of epilepsy, stroke, Bell’s palsy and cerebral palsy, as well as the prevalence of dementia, extrapyramidal syndromes, muscle and neuromuscular disorders, cerebellar ataxia and primary nocturnal enuresis among the urban and rural populations of Al Kharga district, New Valley, Egypt. The study was carried out in 3 stages from June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2009. A door-to-door screening including every door was carried out using a standardized questionnaire, which was administered by 3 neurologists to all inhabitants (62,583) of Al Kharga district. The study was designed to assess the prevalence, incidence and risk factors of major neurological disorders in Al Kharga district and aimed to reduce the burden of these neurological disorders in the entire region. Results/Conclusions: This study clarified that dementia, primary nocturnal enuresis, epilepsy, stroke and cerebral palsy are the most common neurological disorders. On the other hand, Bell’s palsy, extrapyramidal syndromes, cerebellar ataxia, muscle dystrophies and myasthenia gravis are less common neurological disorders in Al Kharga district.

Prevalence of Spinal Cord Disorders in Al-Quseir City, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt

“…Data collection was performed by 3 qualified neurologists, by a standardized screening questionnaire [10] to pick up any suspected cases of SCD. Members of each family were reached at their home by a team including 3 neurologists and 3 accompanying social workers.…”

Prevalence of Dementia in Al Kharga District, New Valley Governorate, Egypt

“…Special investigations were carried out for certain patients, such as transcranial Doppler and extracranial Doppler for carotid arteries, electroencephalogram, echocardiogram, and other specific investigations for specific diagnoses. All subtypes of dementia as well as all studied disorders of this project were diagnosed according to their specific diagnostic parameters [13]. …”

Physical Therapy Registry for Establishment of Cerebral Palsy in Alexandria City (Almontazah District), Egypt

“…The ataxic cases constituted almost 9% of total number which is in consistency with local and international figures. 3,7,9 Spastic quadriplegic CP is the most severe form affecting 40 patients (22%) of all CP cases. Epilepsy and cognition abnormality were found in 47% and 65%, respectively.…”