Epilepsy: The myth of a contagious disease

Abstract

The belief among Nigerians that epilepsy is infectious is widely reported in the relevant professional literature. This belief, however, has not been subjected to scientific investigation and its magnitude has not been assessed, despite the fact that it is one of the most serious obstacles to the care and rehabilitation of epileptics. The study reported here attempted to provide such information interviewing a wide spectrum of the Nigerian population, including medical students. It was found that most Nigerians, including some medical students, share the belief that epilepsy is contagious. They would therefore not eat, drink, or sleep in the same room with an epileptic, or touch him during his fit. The origin of the belief is now lost in obscurity, but traditional healers seem to be its current respository and propagators. The views of the latter are reinforced and sustained by people fleeing in panic from a patient experiencing a grand mal attack. These findings suggest treatment and rehabilitative strategies.

Social consequences of epilepsy: A study of 231 Nigerian patients

“…Therefore, they run away from patients to avoid contact with the saliva. [8][9][10][11] For the same reason, in some African countries like Uganda, PWE are not allowed to join the communal food pot. [12] Some children with epilepsy are expelled from school to prevent them from transmitting the disease to others.…”

The Stigma of Epilepsy among Outpatients in a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria

“…The subtle differences in exact estimates may be related to the type of instruments utilised for stigma assessment and the dif- A number of misconceptions and wrong causal attribution attend the experience of epilepsy in Nigeria. The consequence of this is that epilepsy is greatly Open Journal of Psychiatry feared and misunderstood [4]. This is reflected in the individual items that were endorsed by the participants who had experienced various forms of enacted stigma.…”

“…There is a high level of stigmatization of epileptic patients [3] to which is contributed by prevalent cross-cutting myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease in virtually all societies. For instance, in Africa, epilepsy is considered to be a form of severe psychiatric illness that arises from a "curse of the gods" or demonic possession [4]. Individuals with this condition are intensely avoided, feared and/or rejected on account of these considerations.…”

Access to Stereotactic radiosurgery : Identification of Existing Disparities and a Modest Proposal to Reduce Them

“…There are some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, that link brain disease to superstition and magic, preferring witchcraft or a shaman to the expertise of a neurosurgeon [11]. Further, the lack of epidemiological data for central nervous system pathologies in these regions discourages investment in SRS technology.…”