An Analysis of Disorders seen at the Paediatric Neurology Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Paediatric neurological disorders constitute a major cause of disability in childhood. Children in the developing countries are disproportionately affected and in addition face the added burden of poverty, inadequate health facilities, stigmatisation and lack of facilities for rehabilitative care. OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of neurological disorders seen among Nigerian children presenting at the paediatric neurology clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: All children presenting at the paediatric neurology clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria over a period of 20 months were prospectively studied. Diagnoses were made from detailed history, thorough physical examination, with particular emphasis on the central nervous system and appropriate investigations as indicated. RESULTS: There were a total of 644 cases during the study period, 369 males and 275 females, giving a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. There were 1353 consultations at the paediatric neurology clinic and these accounted for 21.0% of the total 6,442 consultations at the paediatric specialist clinics in the hospital. The most frequent paediatric neurological disorders were epilepsy (45.3%), cerebral palsy (36.0%), neuro-muscular disorders (4.5%) and mental retardation (4.5%). CONCLUSION: Paediatric neurological disorders constitute a major reason for paediatric specialist care in Ibadan, Nigeria. Preventable causes play a major role in the aetiology of the major paediatric neurological disorders seen in this part of the world.