Historical Overview of the Only Neuro-Psycho-Pathology Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Tshimbombu, Tshibambe Nathanael; Song, Seo Ho; Rojas-Soto, Diana; Okitundu, Daniel

doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2022.01.120

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…A complex interplay of societal perspectives and economic limitations stymies evaluation of epilepsy burden in the DRC. While lacking a national epilepsy registry, estimates based on localized prevalence at select Congolese rural communities and data from the Centre Neuropsychopathologique (CNPP), a 450‐bed neuropsychiatric hospital affiliated with the University of Kinshasa, 4 approximate the prevalence to range between 5.7% and 8.4% 3 . At the CNPP, epilepsy accounts for 0.49% of all neuropsychiatric consultations, while pediatric epilepsy syndromes in children aged 0–7 comprise 1.82% 2 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Patients with neuropsychiatric illnesses were treated at the underequipped Mount Stanley Lazaret psychiatric facility, built, and opened in 1926 and 1928, respectively. It was renamed the Mount Stanley Psychiatric Institute in 1960 4 . The growing interest in neurological conditions facilitated expertise to treat some neuropsychiatric conditions like psychosis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It was renamed the Mount Stanley Psychiatric Institute in 1960. 4 The growing interest in neurological conditions facilitated expertise to treat some neuropsychiatric conditions like psychosis. However, epilepsy was not listed in the National Health Information System (NHIS) as a treated neurological disease during this period.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Review of epilepsy care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tshimbombu,

Shin,

Thesen

et al. 2024

Epilepsia Open

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Epilepsy imposes a substantial burden on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These challenges encompass the lack of comprehensive disease surveillance, an unresolved understanding of its pathophysiology, economic barriers limiting access to essential care, the absence of epilepsy surgical capabilities, and deeply ingrained societal stigmas. Notably, the national prevalence of epilepsy remains undetermined, with research primarily concentrating on infectious factors like Onchocerca volvulus, leaving other potential causes underexplored. Most patients lack insurance, incurring out‐of‐pocket expenses that often lead them to opt for traditional medicine rather than clinical care. Social stigma, perpetuated by common misconceptions, intensifies the social isolation experienced by individuals living with epilepsy. Additionally, surgical interventions are unavailable, and the accessibility of anti‐seizure medications and healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate. Effectively tackling these interrelated challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including conducting research into region‐specific factors contributing to epilepsy, increasing healthcare funding, subsidizing the costs of treatment, deploying mobile tools for extensive screening, launching awareness campaigns to dispel myths and reduce stigma, and promoting collaborations between traditional healers and medical practitioners to enhance local understanding and epilepsy management. Despite the difficulties, significant progress can be achieved through sustained and compassionate efforts to understand and eliminate the barriers faced by epilepsy patients in the region. This review outlines essential steps for alleviating the epilepsy burden in the DRC.Plain Language summaryThere are not enough resources to treat epilepsy in the DRC. PWEs struggle with stigma and the lack of money. Many of them still use traditional medicine for treatment and hold wrong beliefs about epilepsy. That is why there is a need for more resources to make the lives of PWEs better in the DRC.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%