Epilepsy in Africa: Common Myths and Misconceptions

By Chinedu Akpa. B. Pharm. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team.

Epilepsy in Africa: Common myths and misconceptions

Epilepsy in Africa: Commons myths and misconceptions.

 

Highlights

  • Myths and misconceptions about epilepsy in Africa are widespread and are embraced by all socio-economic classes.
  • Myths and misconceptions affect the health seeking behaviors of people in communities in which they are common.
  • Culture, low public health literacy, poverty, and healthcare inadequacies among other factors, are some of the major drivers of the myths and misconceptions about epilepsy in Africa. 
  • Intensive population level education and awareness raising that will improve health literacy coupled with equitable socio-economic development, etc., are needed to curb the menace of myths and misconceptions about epilepsy in SSA. 

 

Did you know that epilepsy is a treatable, but not curable condition? Despite this, myths and misconceptions about epilepsy persist across sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to the continent’s high prevalence of untreated epilepsy, with an estimated 10 million people affected. [1]

Before learning more about the common myths and misconceptions about epilepsy in Africa, it is important that you get clarity about what myths and misconceptions are, how they occur and the difference between them. 

 

What is a Myth?

According to the Britannica, a myth is usually of unknown origin. It is a symbolic account or expression that relates actual events to deeply rooted traditions and religious beliefs of communities. 

Myths are usually expressed as specific accounts of gods or superhuman beings involved in unspecified extraordinary events or circumstances that occur outside the existing control of ordinary human experience.

To give an example, in many African tradico-religious, and “New Generation” religious congregations, some of the dramatic symptoms of epilepsy are consciously or subconsciously simulated in cultural practices during prayers and supplication ceremonies to the gods, for the deliverance of members from “evil spirit”. Which is partly why, in many African communities, the myth and misconception that epilepsy is brought on by the evil spirit is very strong.

 

What is a Misconception?

The Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries defines misconception as “a belief or an idea that is not based on correct information, or that is not understood by people”.

 

What’s the Difference between Myth and Misconception?

It is evident from the definitions given above that the difference between myths and misconceptions centres on the fact that "myths" are typically rooted in tradition and cultural beliefs that evoke supernatural forces; and are used to explain natural phenomena or cultural practices that are considered beyond human control. "Misconception" on the other hand is simply an incorrect belief or understanding about something. It is usually based on faulty information or reasoning, and not necessarily tied to a specific cultural account.

Myths often have a deeper cultural significance than misconceptions. 

 

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder in which extensive and disorganised electrical signals (discharges) from cells of the brain (called neurons) happen spontaneously, without provocation and inhibition. These electrical discharges occur in uncontrolled and uncoordinated ways that would explain the symptoms experienced during an epileptic attack. 

Click here to learn more about the types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

 

Common Myths and Misconceptions about Epilepsy in Africa

Myths and misconceptions are major challenges facing those with epilepsy in Africa. They play significant roles in the widespread stigma that hinders access to modern medical care, negatively impacting the mental health of people living with epilepsy, and restricting their social connections. 

Low health literacy level, cultural and religious beliefs, and rural dwelling are among several factors driving the misconception and mythical accounts about epilepsy in Africa. 

The following myths and misconceptions about epilepsy have been documented following studies conducted across countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. [2]

Myths and Misconceptions

On the Nature and Causes of Epilepsy [3]

  • Epilepsy is caused by witchcraft and demonic possession (“evil spirit”).
  • Epilepsy is a blood disease
  • Epilepsy is a mental disorder
  • Epilepsy is hereditary
  • That one is destined to have it. 

On Mode of Spread

  • Epilepsy is transmitted through saliva and transmissible by sharing utensils [3]

On Epilepsy Treatment [3]

  • It should be treated by traditional healers
  • Herbal preparations, spiritual exorcism and special cultural diets charms (amulets) and sacrificial offerings are a means of healing.

On First Aid in Epilepsy

  • Placing a spoon between the teeth will cause seizures to stop.
  • Sprinkling olive oil or water can stop seizures
  • Sacrifice to the gods or complying with cultural taboos will cure seizures.
  • The smell of the smoke from a struck match stick can also help with seizure control. 

 

Consequences of Epilepsy related Myths and Misconceptions

Believing in these myths and misconceptions could prove costly to those with epilepsy. [2] It could cause the following:

1. Delayed treatment: Many have complained of not getting any better after several visits to traditional healers, thereby prompting them to seek treatment in the hospital but by the time this happens they would have wasted time with the traditional healers. 

2. Financial loss: You could end up spending your money with traditional healers and still not get the result you desire.

3. Stigma and discrimination: Part of the consequences of the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with epilepsy are isolation, exclusion from social gatherings, verbal abuse, and a rejection by potential marriage partners. 

4. Mental health impact: Anxiety, and depression are quite common among those with epilepsy. The reasons for these are unclear, but isolation and societal rejection of people living with epilepsy may be contributory factors.

 

Debunking Epilepsy related Myths and Misconceptions with Facts 

Facts On the Nature, Causes and Transmission of Epilepsy

  • Epilepsy isn't caused by witchcraft, demonic possession, evil spirits or curses. However, some of the symptoms may resemble those typical of the casting of evil spirits out of congregants in spiritual and tradico-religious practices across Africa
  • Epilepsy is not contagious, therefore it is not transmitted through saliva. The presence of excessive foamy saliva from the mouth during an epileptic seizure is caused by a combination of:
    • Increased production of saliva as a result of overactive autonomic nervous system activity
    • Impaired swallowing
    • Forceful expiration and froth formation, and 
    • Jaw clenching.
  • Epilepsy is not a blood disease; rather it is a disease that affects the cells of the brain (called neurons).
  • Epilepsy is not a mental disorder, but it is a chronic brain disease. However people living with epilepsy are at high risk of suffering from mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, social phobia, etc. The reasons for this are unclear but may be related to societal stigma, and isolation.
  • Heredity and genetics may play a role but no one is destined to have epilepsy.

Facts On Epilepsy Treatment

  • Epilepsy can be managed effectively with orthodox and standard medications also called antiepileptic drugs (AED) or anti-seizure medications (ASM).
  • Herbal preparations have not been proven through clinical trials to be effective in the treatment of epilepsy. Indeed, they may be extremely harmful and unsafe for human consumption as their active ingredients are largely unknown and preparations vary from one herbal practitioner to the other.
  • Sacrificial offerings, and wearing of charms (amulets) cannot bring about healing as the cause of epilepsy isn't spiritual. 

Facts On First Aid treatment in epilepsy

  • Placing a spoon between the teeth of someone undergoing an epilepsy attack is a dangerous act which can cause more harm to the individual. 
  • Sprinkling olive oil, sacrificing to the gods, and complying with cultural taboos will not bring immediate relief or make any difference with someone having an epileptic seizure. 
  • Pouring water on the head will not control seizures in anyone having epilepsy.

 

How to Address Epilepsy related Myths and Misconceptions in Africa

As some of the major drivers of epilepsy myths and misconceptions in sub-Saharan Africa are deeply rooted in culture, religion, illiteracy and poverty among other factors, the steps needed to address them will include: [2]

Education and awareness

  • Since traditional healers are usually the first point of contact, educating them about the scientific basis of epilepsy can impact the sources of tradico-cultural reinforcement of epilepsy myths and misconceptions.
  • Incorporate Epilepsy Education in Schools: Ethiopia’s use of comic books to teach students about epilepsy is a great example.
  • The training and retraining of community nurses, and psychiatric nurses on topics on stigma, causes, and treatment of epilepsy. 

Merdia Campaigns and Advocacy

There should be increased public awareness about epilepsy on both social media and traditional media channels across the continent about the causes and management of epilepsy.

Policy Enactments

National policies should be implemented to protect people living with epilepsy from stigmatisation and to provide social care and support for dignified and healthy living. 

Social economic development 

The eradication or reduction of poverty and improvement of access to education and low cost but qualitative healthcare can reduce the reliance on myths and misconceptions about epilepsy and of course several other chronic health conditions. 

 

Conclusion

Epilepsy related myths and misconceptions in sub-Saharan Africa perpetuate stigma, delayed treatment, and limit opportunities for those affected. Addressing these myths and misconceptions through education, awareness campaigns, and improved socio-economic conditions is essential to combat for national health security and development. By fostering understanding and dispelling harmful beliefs, society can ensure that individuals with epilepsy receive the care, respect, and the support they deserve.

 

References

1. Muazu J, Kaita AH. A review of traditional plants used in the treatment of epilepsy amongst the Hausa/Fulani tribes of northern Nigeria. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2008 Jun 18;5(4):387-90. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v5i4.31294. Available from here

2. Kaddumukasa M, Kaddumukasa MN, Buwembo W, Munabi IG, Blixen C, Lhatoo S, Sewankambo N, Katabira E, Sajatovic M. Epilepsy misconceptions and stigma reduction interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, a systematic review. Epilepsy Behav. 2018 Aug;85:21-27. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.04.014. Available from here.

3. Osungbade KO, Siyanbade SL. Myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings about epilepsy in a Nigerian rural community: Implications for community health interventions. Epilepsy & Behavior, 2011, 21(4), 425-429, doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.05.014. Available from here.


 

Related:  

Epilepsy in Africa: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Epilepsy: An Awareness Guide for Africans

 

 

Published: December 3, 2024

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