Convulsive Disorders (Tanzania) / final report of the Canadian Research Team
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1995
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex cluster of symptoms, related to disturbances of the brain. The
causes of epilepsy are still unclear, but it has to do with sudden bioelectrical discharges of brain
cells which due to modem technology can be observed and measured on the electroencephalogram
machine (EEG). The clinical picture is manyfold and ranges from short lapses in
consciousness to so called "Grand mal" seizures .These attacks have facinated and repulsed
people since the dawn of mankind due to the dramatic symptoms :Sudden fall with piercing cry,
a rigid phase when eyes are rolled upwards, teeth clenched, trunk and extremities stretched to the
limit, followed by a phase of violent convulsions throwing the victim around, smashing into any
object in the way, foam mixed with blood welling from the mouth, clothes dirtied with dust and
urine, ending in deep unconsciousness from which the patient might wake up fully restored or may
sink into a period of deep peaceful sleep...Research projects on epilepsy encompassing epidemiology , aetiology , sociocultural and
psychological consequences, as well as clinical and psychiatric aspects ofthe affliction is therefore
very much needed, not only for scientific reasons, but to help African people to find ways of
organizing and financing treatment and for educating people so as to alleviate the social stigma
attached to epilepsy sufferers and to help finding ways to prevent the hight incidence of
convulsive disorders.
Description
Appendices I-XII included
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IDRC Final Report
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Keywords
TANZANIA, EPILEPSY, CONVULSIVE DISORDER, DEMOGRAPHIC ASPECTS, EDUCATION, HEALTH EDUCATION, HEALTH-CARE DELIVERY, MEDICAL TREATMENT