Reviewing the evidence on nodding syndrome, a mysterious tropical disorder

Daniel Arnoldus Korevaar, Benjamin Jelle Visser

    Research output: Contribution to journalReviewpeer-review

    Abstract

    Objectives: To review the literature on the prevalence, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, treatment, and implications of nodding syndrome (NS).

    Methods: This is a narrative review.

    Results: NS is a mysterious tropical disorder that is emerging in South Sudan, southern Tanzania, and northern Uganda. Over the past decade, thousands of children have become affected, but the prevalence is unknown. NS is characterized by an occasional nodding of the head, which is considered as a form of epilepsy. After symptoms appear, the patient's health rapidly deteriorates. Seizures, stunted growth, and mental retardation may appear. In endemic areas, NS is increasingly becoming a public health problem with high morbidity and mortality, and severe social, psychological, and economic implications. However, the pathogenesis is unknown. Evidence suggests a role for Onchocerca volvulus, the parasitic filarial worm responsible for river blindness, which is highly endemic in these areas. There is no cure for NS, and treatment is symptomatic with common anticonvulsants to improve the quality of life.

    Conclusions: NS seems to be a rapidly growing problem in several eastern African countries. Although it is starting to receive more and more attention in the scientific literature, little is known about NS. A better understanding of the pathogenesis may lead to prevention and treatment opportunities. (c) 2012 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
    Volume17
    Issue number3
    Pages (from-to)E149-E152
    Number of pages4
    ISSN1201-9712
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Mar-2013

    Keywords

    • Head nodding disease
    • Nodding syndrome
    • Onchocerca volvulus
    • Onchocerciasis
    • River blindness
    • CLINICAL CLASSIFICATION
    • RETARDED GROWTH
    • RIVER-BLINDNESS
    • WESTERN UGANDA
    • RURAL AREA
    • EPILEPSY
    • ONCHOCERCIASIS
    • PREVALENCE
    • TANZANIA
    • PEOPLE

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