L'identification de l'épilepsie en milieu rural bambara (Mali)

Identify epilepsy in rural area of Bambara (Mali) In a certain region of Mali, epilepsy, a chronic and incapacitating illness, is an important problem of public health. An anthropological research has been devoted to the analysis of the representations and practices with regard to this illness in the rural environment of Bambara. In the vernacular of Bambara, the word kirikirimasien corrisponds to the generalised crisis of epilepsy. This objectived nomination, however, allows a certain number of other denominations, which are ail linked to the various interpretative configurations of the subject of this illness. Beyond the words, there is a language which obeys to certain principles of stating and elaboration. Avoidance and description are two principles which govern the naming of epilepsy.