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Epilepsy is an important health problem in developing countries where the prevalence can be up to 57 per 1000 population. The prevalence is particularly high in Latin America and in several African countries notability Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania. Parasitic infections particuarly neurocysticercosis, schistosomiasis, taxoplasmosis, malaria, meningitis and enciphalitis are important etiological factors. Other reasons for the high incidence include intracranial infections, perinatal brain damage, head injuries, toxic agents and hereditary factors. Many of these factors are preventable or modifiable and the introduction of appropriate measures to this could lead to a substantial decrease in the incidence of eplilepsy in those countries.