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Case Reports
. 2005 Jul;46(7):1121-6.
doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.03505.x.

Epilepsy care in Zambia: a study of traditional healers

Roy Baskind  1 , Gretchen Birbeck
Affiliations
Case Reports

Epilepsy care in Zambia: a study of traditional healers

Roy Baskind et al. Epilepsia. 2005 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: Most people with epilepsy (PWE) reside in developing countries with limited access to medical care. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), traditional healers (THs) play a prominent role in caring for PWE, yet little is known about epilepsy care by THs. We conducted a multimethod, qualitative study to better understand the epilepsy care delivered by THs in Zambia.

Methods: We conducted focus-group discussions with THs, in-depth semistructured interviews with a well-recognized TH at his place of work, and multiple informal interviews with healthcare providers in rural Zambia.

Results: THs recognize the same symptoms that a neurologist elicits to characterize seizure onset (e.g., olfactory hallucinations, jacksonian march, automatisms). Although THs acknowledge a familial propensity for some seizures and endorse causes of symptomatic epilepsy, they believe witchcraft plays a central, provocative role in most seizures. Treatment is initiated after the first seizure and usually incorporates certain plant and animal products. Patients who do not experience further seizures are considered cured. Those who do not respond to therapy may be referred to other healers. Signs of concomitant systemic illness are the most common reason for referral to a hospital. As a consequence of this work, our local Epilepsy Care Team has developed a more collaborative relationship with THs in the region.

Conclusions: THs obtain detailed event histories, are treatment focused, and may refer patients who have refractory seizures to therapy to other healers. Under some circumstances, they recognize a role for modern health care and refer patients to the hospital. Given their predominance as care providers for PWE, further understanding of their approach to care is important. Collaborative relationships between physicians and THs are needed if we hope to bridge the treatment gap in SSA.

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Figures

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FIG. 1
Southern lesser bushbaby (Galago moholi). This animal feigns death when threatened.
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
Bateleur eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus). This bird is described as a “tight-rope walker” that floats and balances still in the sky and then drops suddenly.
FIG. 3
FIG. 3
Sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius). The adult feigns death when threatened
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Institute of Medicine. Neurological and psychiatric disorders: meeting the challenge in the developing world Washington, DC: Institute of Medicine, 2001:7.
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    1. Hjortsberg CA, Mwikisa CN. Cost of access to health services in Zambia. Health Policy Plan. 2002;17:71–7. - PubMed

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