Nodding disease: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Nodding disease | |||
| image = [[File:Sudan_districts_affected_by_nodding_disease.svg|250px]] | |||
| image_size = 250px | |||
| alt = Map showing districts in Sudan affected by nodding disease | |||
| caption = Districts in Sudan affected by nodding disease | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Seizures]], [[cognitive impairment]], [[stunted growth]] | |||
| complications = [[Malnutrition]], [[injuries]] from falls | |||
| onset = Typically between ages 5 and 15 | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = Unknown, possibly linked to [[Onchocerciasis]] | |||
| risks = Living in endemic areas | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other conditions | |||
| differential = [[Epilepsy]], [[malnutrition]], [[cerebral malaria]] | |||
| prevention = Unknown | |||
| treatment = Supportive care, [[antiepileptic drugs]] | |||
| prognosis = Poor, progressive neurological decline | |||
| frequency = Endemic in parts of [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], and [[Tanzania]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Nodding Disease''' is a neurologic condition characterized by repetitive dropping forward of the head, often associated with other forms of seizures, cognitive decline, and malnutrition. It primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old. The disease is named for the characteristic, pathological nodding head movements that are a hallmark of the condition. | '''Nodding Disease''' is a neurologic condition characterized by repetitive dropping forward of the head, often associated with other forms of seizures, cognitive decline, and malnutrition. It primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old. The disease is named for the characteristic, pathological nodding head movements that are a hallmark of the condition. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Nodding disease has been reported in several African countries, including [[South Sudan]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Uganda]]. The disease is believed to be associated with [[Onchocerca volvulus]], a parasitic worm that causes [[river blindness]], although the exact cause remains unknown. | Nodding disease has been reported in several African countries, including [[South Sudan]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Uganda]]. The disease is believed to be associated with [[Onchocerca volvulus]], a parasitic worm that causes [[river blindness]], although the exact cause remains unknown. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The primary symptom of nodding disease is the characteristic nodding of the head, which is often triggered by food or cold temperatures. Other symptoms can include [[seizures]], [[cognitive decline]], [[growth retardation]], and [[malnutrition]]. | The primary symptom of nodding disease is the characteristic nodding of the head, which is often triggered by food or cold temperatures. Other symptoms can include [[seizures]], [[cognitive decline]], [[growth retardation]], and [[malnutrition]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of nodding disease is primarily based on the characteristic symptoms and history of exposure in an endemic area. There are currently no specific laboratory tests for nodding disease. | Diagnosis of nodding disease is primarily based on the characteristic symptoms and history of exposure in an endemic area. There are currently no specific laboratory tests for nodding disease. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for nodding disease primarily involves managing the symptoms. This can include antiepileptic drugs to control seizures, nutritional support, and physical and occupational therapy to help manage disability. | Treatment for nodding disease primarily involves managing the symptoms. This can include antiepileptic drugs to control seizures, nutritional support, and physical and occupational therapy to help manage disability. | ||
==Research== | ==Research== | ||
Research into nodding disease is ongoing. The [[World Health Organization]] and other international health organizations are working to better understand the disease and develop effective treatments. | Research into nodding disease is ongoing. The [[World Health Organization]] and other international health organizations are working to better understand the disease and develop effective treatments. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Onchocerciasis]] | * [[Onchocerciasis]] | ||
* [[Epilepsy]] | * [[Epilepsy]] | ||
* [[Neurological disorders]] | * [[Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | [[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Childhood diseases]] | [[Category:Childhood diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:22, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Nodding disease | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Seizures, cognitive impairment, stunted growth |
| Complications | Malnutrition, injuries from falls |
| Onset | Typically between ages 5 and 15 |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly linked to Onchocerciasis |
| Risks | Living in endemic areas |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other conditions |
| Differential diagnosis | Epilepsy, malnutrition, cerebral malaria |
| Prevention | Unknown |
| Treatment | Supportive care, antiepileptic drugs |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Poor, progressive neurological decline |
| Frequency | Endemic in parts of South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania |
| Deaths | N/A |
Nodding Disease is a neurologic condition characterized by repetitive dropping forward of the head, often associated with other forms of seizures, cognitive decline, and malnutrition. It primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old. The disease is named for the characteristic, pathological nodding head movements that are a hallmark of the condition.
Epidemiology[edit]
Nodding disease has been reported in several African countries, including South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The disease is believed to be associated with Onchocerca volvulus, a parasitic worm that causes river blindness, although the exact cause remains unknown.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of nodding disease is the characteristic nodding of the head, which is often triggered by food or cold temperatures. Other symptoms can include seizures, cognitive decline, growth retardation, and malnutrition.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of nodding disease is primarily based on the characteristic symptoms and history of exposure in an endemic area. There are currently no specific laboratory tests for nodding disease.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for nodding disease primarily involves managing the symptoms. This can include antiepileptic drugs to control seizures, nutritional support, and physical and occupational therapy to help manage disability.
Research[edit]
Research into nodding disease is ongoing. The World Health Organization and other international health organizations are working to better understand the disease and develop effective treatments.


