To review population-based studies on the prevalence of epilepsy in Morocco and explore the social implications of the condition in this region.

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects people of all ages worldwide with an estimated 50 million cases globally. In Africa, over 10 million individuals are affected, including more than 350,000 in Morocco. Rural areas in Morocco face challenges in epilepsy management due to limited access to neurology specialists, cultural misconceptions, and the high cost of medications.

1. First study was conducted across 8 regions in Morocco to estimate the active and lifetime prevalence of epilepsy. Data collection involved a telephone questionnaire, followed by a physician-led survey.

2.  A second study assessed treatment routes for 110 epilepsy patients using a retrospective questionnaire, with data analyzed through SPSS version 18. This study also explored the social attitudes and behaviors related to epilepsy within the Marrakech population.

In Study 1, neurologists gathered 3,184 responses, identifying 86 suspected epilepsy cases. Among these, 63 individuals were confirmed with lifetime epilepsy, and 56 with active epilepsy. The lifetime and active epilepsy rates were 19.8 and 17.6 per 1000 individuals, respectively.

In Study 2, which examined epilepsy in the Moroccan population from a social perspective, 70% of the 110 participants attributed the condition to supernatural causes, 51% sought an initial consultation with a religious leader, and 75% were unemployed.