Pattern of neurological disorder presenting at a paediatric neurology clinic in Nigeria

Abstract

Neurological diseases account for more than 20% of the world's disease burden with majority of affected people living in Africa. However there is a paucity of literature on neurological disease in Africa. A retrospective review of 114 children with neurological problem seen at a paediatric neurological clinic in a 2-year. Delayed developmental milestone, convulsion and inability to walk were the 3 most common reasons for referral to our Paediatric neurology clinic. Cerebral palsy (55.3%), Seizure disorder (26.3%) and postmeningitic complications (6.2%) were the common neurological disorder seen at our neurology clinic. The Paediatric outpatient department (POPD) of our hospital was the main source of referral for most cases (83.2%) and 71.1% of all patients resides within Zaria metropolis. The default rate from follow-up was higher among children with cerebral palsy compared to children with seizure disorder (58.7% vs. 13.3%, P < 0.001). Lack of adequate facilities for proper rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy could have been the main reason for the high default rate from follow-up.