Epidemiology of Major Neurological Disorders Project in Al Kharga District, New Valley, Egypt

Authors:
  • WFWafaa M.A. Farghaly
    Wafaa M.A. Farghaly
  • TRTarek A. Rageh
    Tarek A. Rageh
  • NMNabil A. Metwaly
    Nabil A. Metwaly
  • NENoha Abo Elftoh
    Noha Abo Elftoh
  • AHAhmed M. Hegazy
    Ahmed M. Hegazy
  • EMEsam A. El Moselhy
    Esam A. El Moselhy
  • IRIbrahim Rayan
    Ibrahim Rayan
  • BFBastawy M.A. Al Fawal
    Bastawy M.A. Al Fawal
  • MEMohamed A. Abd Elhamed
    Mohamed A. Abd Elhamed
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Abstract
Background/Methods: A door-to-door (‘every door’) study was carried out to assess the incidence and prevalence rates of epilepsy, stroke, Bell’s palsy and cerebral palsy, as well as the prevalence of dementia, extrapyramidal syndromes, muscle and neuromuscular disorders, cerebellar ataxia and primary nocturnal enuresis among the urban and rural populations of Al Kharga district, New Valley, Egypt. The study was carried out in 3 stages from June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2009. A door-to-door screening including every door was carried out using a standardized questionnaire, which was administered by 3 neurologists to all inhabitants (62,583) of Al Kharga district. The study was designed to assess the prevalence, incidence and risk factors of major neurological disorders in Al Kharga district and aimed to reduce the burden of these neurological disorders in the entire region. Results/Conclusions: This study clarified that dementia, primary nocturnal enuresis, epilepsy, stroke and cerebral palsy are the most common neurological disorders. On the other hand, Bell’s palsy, extrapyramidal syndromes, cerebellar ataxia, muscle dystrophies and myasthenia gravis are less common neurological disorders in Al Kharga district.