Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 1996 ; 89(1): 45-7.

[Epilepsy caused by cysticercosis. Apropos of a sociological and cultural investigation conducted at Savalou in Benin]

Avode DG, Capo-Chichi OB, Gandaho P, Bouteille B, Dumas M.

Neurocysticercosis has been detected at Savalou, place situated in the center of BÃ©nin. The prevalence of epilepsy was 1.52% (22 out of 1443) and of cysticercosis, 3.95% (57 out of 1443). It was then necessary to appreciate the socio-cultural and environmental dimension which could explain the propagation of the disease and to look for contingent durable and adapted solutions for its eradication. The collect of information has been done through observation of the environment, interviews and group-discussions. A sample of 104 persons has been obtained through a probation at three degrees. At the end of the survey, the characteristics of the population and the ecosystem of the investigated region has been studied, as well as the impact of professionals in traditional medicine and the difficulties of the epileptic man in his socio-cultural environment. The development of an appropriate ethnomedicine is suggested in the setting of a sanitary education on neurocysticercosis.