A Review of Epilepsy Stigma in Egypt

Objective: Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder worldwide, affecting 50 million people. Epilepsy is one of the most stigmatizing disorders worldwide and a prototype for a stigmatizing disorder with its dramatic and often scaring symptoms and signs. In this review, I discuss the following definition; stigma and discrimination; historical background; factors affecting stigma; how to decrease the stigma of epilepsy and burden of stigma and conclusion. Result: People with epilepsy (PWE) devalued and stigmatized. False historical background, uncorrected knowledge and attitude about epilepsy, psychosocial factors of epilepsy and uncontrolled epilepsy lead to stigma of epilepsy. The factors affect stigmas are false historical background of epilepsy, psychological aspects of epilepsy, knowledge, attitudes towards patients with epilepsy, uncontrolled epilepsy and effect of Antiepileptic drugs. Significance: To proper manage of epilepsy, we should know the factors lead to stigma. Stigma of epilepsy has impact effect upon patients, relatives and society.