Socio-cultural representation of epilepsy at the teaching hospital of point G, Mali.

Background: Epilepsy is a significant public health concern with psychosocial impacts, including fear, stigma, and misconceptions. These factors contribute to human rights violations and discrimination. The objective of this study was to describe the sociocultural representation of epilepsy in Mali. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from April 2015 to November 2016 at the University Hospital of Point G. Patients with epilepsy were identified prospectively, and a questionnaire was administered to each patient and their parents. Results: A total of 104 patients were enrolled with an average age of 35 years, ranging from 15 to 89 years. Males were slightly predominant, accounting for 53.85%, resulting in a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.17. In terms of occupation, workers comprised 68.27% of participants. Patients residing in urban areas represented 61.54%, and the most level of education was secondary (40.38%). The majority of patients (57.69%) and their relatives (69.23%) thought that epilepsy was caused by mystical causes. Stigma was reported by 66.35% of our patients. Conclusion: The sociocultural perception of epilepsy hinders evidence-based diagnosis and management in Africa. This study suggests a need to focus on raising awareness to change these misconceptions.

[Clinical and laboratory features of recessive Limb Girdle Muscular dystrophies in the Department Neurology of University Hospital of Point G]. / Aspects Cliniques et Paracliniques des Myopathies des Ceintures Récessives au Service de Neurologie du CHU Point G.

INTRODUCTION: Limb-Girdle Muscular dystrophies (LGMD) is a group of inherited diseases characterized by predominantly proximal and limb muscle weakness. These are rare diseases that have not been well studied in sub-saharan Africa. The aim of our was the clinical and paraclinical characterization of patients with recessive LGMD at the Department of Neurology of the Teaching Hospital of Point G. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal prospective study which took place from March 2014 to May 2019. Patients with recessive LGMD phenotype were enrolled. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. RESULTS: We enrolled 46 families (67 patients), i.e. a frequency of 16.7% among the neurodegenerative diseases seen in the service. Among them, 45.6% came from the Sikasso region. Autosomal recessive inheritance pattern was suspected in 67.4% of the families. Symptoms appeared mainly in the first decade of life. Proximal muscle weakness was found in almost all patients. Cardiac examination showed dilated cardiomyopathy in 4.5% of cases. CONCLUSION: Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy is a disabling disease that is found in Mali. Further study of these cases could elucidate the underlying genetic defects.

[Cerebral miliary tuberculosis, a case study]. / Miliaire tuberculeuse cerebrale: etude d'un cas.

Cerebral miliary tuberculosis is a rare and serious disease due to the hematogenic spread of bacillus tuberculous. It occurs more often in a debility context. Stereotaxic biopsy allows to establish the final diagnosis. But, in most of the cases it is presumptive based on clinical and biological features, and the regression of symptoms under anti tuberculosis treatment, of which depends the vital prognosis. We report the case of an immunocompetent patient, smoker who presented with cerebral military.

La miliaire tuberculeuse cérébrale est une affection rare et grave due à la dissémination hématogène des bacilles tuberculeux. Elle survient le plus souvent sur un terrain de débilité. La biopsie stéréotaxique permet d'établir le diagnostic définitif. Mais dans la plus part des cas il est présomptif basé sur d'éléments d'orientation clinique et biologique et la régression des signes sous traitement anti tuberculeux, dont dépend le pronostic vital. Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient immunocompétent, tabagique ayant présenté une miliaire cérébrale.