Evaluation of the cost of epilepsy care in sub-Saharan Africa

Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system in developing countries. Of the approximately 50 million people in the world suffering from epilepsy, it is estimated that about 80% live in developing countries, particularly in Africa. There are many etiologies and etiological factors, which may be primary or secondary. In developing countries, secondary causes predominate and arise from various sources: infectious diseases with cerebral complications, pre-, per- and post-natal obstetrical complications, cranial trauma, encephalic tumour processes and neurovascular pathology. These findings make epilepsy a real public health problem in Africa.Epilepsy, in addition to its serious medical and social consequences, also has a cost. There is very little data on the cost of epilepsy care in developing countries. A good knowledge of the direct and indirect costs of epilepsy would allow the real needs to be quantified for a good planning of public health actions aimed at improving the management of this condition.