The pattern of neurological disease at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

A retrospective survey of neurological disease seen at KNH in medical wards and medical outpatients clinics is presented. Neurological diseases constituted 7.5% of all medical conditions seen over that period. Infections especially meningitis were found to be the commonest. The 3 commonest diseases were meningitis (23.1%), epilepsy (16.6%) and cerebrovascular diseases (15.0%). Neurosyphilis, trypanosomiasis, and leprosy only infrequently seen (1-2 cases annually). Multiple sclerosis seen regularly through infrequently since 1981. The trend of the 3 commonest conditions is presented and a downward trend is noted. The mortality patterns for the 3 commonest diseases is also presented.