As sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces an aging population and a rising burden of neurological diseases, Ghana is no exception. Yet, data on these conditions remains limited, making it difficult to address the growing healthcare demands. A recent study conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital—Ghana’s leading medical center—sheds light on the most common neurological disorders affecting adults in the country.

Between 2003 and 2019, over 7,000 patients visited the neurology clinic, with the top five diagnoses being:

1. Epilepsy (23%) – The most prevalent neurological condition.
2. Peripheral Neuropathies (19.6%) – Often linked to diabetes and infections.
3. Movement Disorders (14.7%) – Including Parkinson’s disease and related conditions.
4. Cerebrovascular Diseases (11.1%) – Such as stroke, a major cause of disability.
5. Headache Disorders (7.7%) – Including migraines and tension-type headaches.

These findings highlight the urgent need for improved neurology care in Ghana. With limited resources and increasing cases, strengthening local healthcare capacity is critical to managing these disorders effectively.