Ghanaian traditional and faith healers' explanatory models for epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in sub-Saharan Africa. A significant number of people with epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries do not receive formal biomedical care. They utilize the services of various traditional and alternative medicine practitioners. However, there is relatively little information about the beliefs and methods of alternative healthcare providers about epilepsy in many African countries. Using explanatory models of illness framework, we interviewed thirty-six traditional and faith healers in Ghana on their beliefs and perceptions about epilepsy, as well as how they would treat epilepsy. The healers' beliefs about the nature of epilepsy were reflected in the labels they assigned to the condition. These indicated a belief in the influence of the moon in epilepsy. Furthermore, the participants held multiple, simultaneous explanatory models of causes for epilepsy, including biological, social, and supernatural causes. Epilepsy was also considered to have serious social implications for patients, especially for women. Finally, their treatment methods involved a range of herbal and spiritual practices. These varied based on the identified cause of the condition, as well as the orientation of the healer. We discuss these findings with reference to their implications for potential collaboration between biomedical and alternative healthcare systems.