Study reveals key factors driving successful epilepsy treatment in Nigeria

A groundbreaking study conducted in two tertiary hospitals in northern Nigeria has identified crucial factors influencing successful treatment outcomes for epilepsy patients.

The research, made available to our correspondent on Thursday, monitored 234 epilepsy patients over two years.

It revealed that 63 per cent of those treated with anti-epileptic drug (AED) monotherapy achieved complete seizure control.

The study showed that patients who were older, female, educated, employed or had strong family support were significantly more likely to achieve seizure control.

It also said that medication compliance and regular clinic attendance were critical to successful treatment outcomes.

The study found that 75 per cent of patients had initially sought traditional or spiritual treatment before turning to medical care, contributing to delays in effective management.

It further said that socioeconomic barriers, such as poverty and lack of transportation, were major reasons patients defaulted on clinic appointments or skipped medication.

Dr Reginald Obiakor, an academic researcher from Ahmadu Bello University and the lead author of the study, stressed the need for greater awareness, family engagement and decentralised care models to bridge treatment gaps.

Obiakor called for national strategies to integrate local health workers and educate families, especially in rural areas where epilepsy remains shrouded in stigma and misconceptions.

“This study shows that epilepsy can be managed effectively if we support patients with education, consistent medical care and community backing,” he said.

He, however, said that despite the encouraging findings, a significant number of patients still fail to achieve optimal control due to non-compliance, poverty and reliance on non-medical interventions.

NAN reports that epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurrent seizures, which occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The condition can affect anyone and has multiple causes, including brain injury, infections or unknown factors.

There are two main types of seizures: Focal seizures, which affect part of the brain, and Generalised seizures, which affect the whole brain.

Treatment typically involves anti-epileptic drugs, and with proper care, many people with epilepsy can live healthy and productive lives.