Epilepsy in the Tropics PDF

Preface

The global belt demarcated by the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn includes a large part of Asia, and most of Africa and Latin America where more than a third of the world s population live. In this tropical belt, epilepsy is a major public health problem, in terms of the numbers affected as well as in terms of its impact on the affected individuals and their families.

Epilepsy in the tropics has features that are distinct to those seen in the temperate zones. The prevalence is higher, as much as ten-fold in certain localities; as to the reason for this high prevalence there is no scientifically validated explanation. The manifestations show clear-cut differences with symptomatic epilepsies and therefore partial seizures accounting for a higher percentage in the tropics than in the temperate countries. Also, acute or remote symptomatic seizures are a dominant feature in the symptomatology of most tropical diseases. Peculiar forms of reflex epilepsies such as hot water epilepsy and eating epilepsy confound the spectrum of clinical presentation. On the other hand, facilities for investigation and treatment of epilepsy in the tropics are meager. In many areas, clinicians have no access to neuroimaging or electroencephalography. Even the basic antiepileptic drugs may be in short supply. To complicate matters, the stigma of the disease renders patients social outcasts, and therefore they hide the disease and avoid medical care. These factors make the care of patients with epilepsy in the tropics a challenge. This book is an attempt to look more closely at these many facets, which make epilepsy in the tropics a subject by itself.

Epilepsy in the Tropics, to our knowledge, is the first and the only book written on this subject. The chapters are arranged in seven sections focusing on epidemiology, diagnosis, symptomatology, clinical biology, treatment, economics, and health care. Authorities from different parts of the world who have made significant contributions in the respective fields have contributed to these chapters bringing out the distinct features, patterns, problems, and the economics of epilepsy and epilepsy care in tropical countries. This will be a guidebook for professionals in tropical countries engaged in the care of people with epilepsy. We also believe that this book will be of relevance to all those who are interested in tropical medicine and neurology as well as epilepsy, irrespective o f whether they belong in the tropics or in the industrialized world. It is our fervent hope that this book, while revealing the spectrum and the scope o f seizure disorders in the tropics, will serve as a foundation for further studies and research in this field

Author: J.M.K. Murthy