Study Identifies Key Factors Behind Effective Epilepsy Treatment in Nigeria

A groundbreaking study conducted across two major tertiary hospitals in northern Nigeria has identified critical factors that significantly influence successful treatment outcomes for people living with epilepsy.

The study, released to the Voice OF the People (VOP) on Thursday, tracked 234 epilepsy patients over a two-year period. It revealed that 63% of patients treated with anti-epileptic drug (AED) monotherapy achieved complete seizure control—a major benchmark in effective epilepsy management.

According to the findings, older age, female gender, higher education levels, employment status, and strong family support were positively associated with better treatment outcomes. The research also emphasized the importance of medication adherence and consistent clinic attendance, highlighting them as decisive factors in achieving seizure control.

However, the study also exposed deep-rooted challenges. Three out of four patients (75%) first sought traditional or spiritual healing methods before turning to medical care, often leading to critical delays in receiving effective treatment. Socioeconomic barriers, including poverty and lack of access to transportation, were identified as major contributors to missed appointments and medication non-compliance.

Lead author Dr. Reginald Obiakor, a researcher at Ahmadu Bello University, called for urgent national strategies to expand public awareness, involve families more directly, and decentralize epilepsy care to reach underserved rural communities.

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

He noted that despite encouraging results, a considerable number of patients still struggle to achieve seizure control due to persistent non-compliance, financial hardship, and continued reliance on non-medical interventions.

The study urges health authorities to integrate local health workers into epilepsy care delivery and launch education campaigns targeting families, especially in rural areas where stigma and misinformation remain widespread.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, triggered by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and is often caused by brain injury, infections, or sometimes unknown factors.

There are two main types of seizures: focal seizures, which impact specific areas of the brain, and generalised seizures, which affect the entire brain.

With proper diagnosis, access to medication, and sustained support, many people living with epilepsy can lead healthy, productive lives.