Mortality from epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic area in West Uganda.

Summary Mortality from epilepsy was investigated in a rural area of West Uganda where epilepsy is found to be closely linked to onchocerciasis. Thirty-three female and 28 male patients (age range 4–58 years, median 15 years) were identified in a population-wide prevalence survey and were followed from June 1994 to March 2001 (observation period 3929 person-months). Patients had continuing access to antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment with phenobarbital. Eighteen patients died during the period of observation, corresponding to a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 7.2 (95% CI 4.4–11.6; P Onchocerca volvulus infestation. If the suspected causal relationship between epilepsy and infection with O. volvulus could be confirmed, this would further underline the importance of sustained control efforts against onchocerciasis.