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Summary   Objective  Functional neurological disorders ( FND s) and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures ( PNES ) are likely as common in Sub‐Saharan Africa ( SSA ) as in the rest of the world, but there is a dearth of literature on the epidemiology and clinical presentation of these disorders in Africa. The purpose of this paper is to describe a case series of  FND s presenting to a referral hospital in  SSA . In addition, we review the existing literature on  FND s in Africa.    Methods  A hospital‐based retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, epidemiology, and clinical phenotype of  FND s and  PNES  in a referral hospital in Northern Tanzania over a 6‐year period (2007–2013).    Results  Of 2,040 patients presenting with neurological complaints, 44 (2.2%) were diagnosed with  FND s. Half (n = 22) had the clinical presentation of  PNES . Age of presentation for  FND s and  PNES  peaked in the teen years 12–19 (n = 21 48%; and n = 14, 63%, respectively), and the majority were female (n = 30, 68%; and n = 14, 63%, respectively). The majority presented acutely with short‐lived and self‐limiting symptoms (only 2 recurrent cases). Literature review revealed multiple reports of “mass hysteria” in  SSA  often meeting the clinical criteria of epidemic  FND s.    Significance   FND s and  PNES  occur in Africa with age and gender distribution comparable to that found elsewhere. Although the percentage of  FND  cases overall was relatively low (2.2%), it is likely to be an underestimate because not all cases were recorded, and cases may be appropriately managed locally before patients are referred to a hospital.  PNES  was the most common phenotype of  FND s reported, and the African phenotype may be short‐lived and self‐limiting rather than chronic and recurrent, as reported elsewhere in the world.  PNES  presentations may also occur in clusters, which may have cultural significance in Africa.  FND s in Africa appear to be underreported, particularly over the last 30 years.

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Psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures among patients with functional neurological disorder: A case series from a Tanzanian referral hospital and literature review