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Nodding Syndrome

All articles tagged with #nodding syndrome

health1 year ago•8 min saved

"Unraveling the Mystery: Battling South Sudan's Neurological Disorder"

Nodding syndrome, a mysterious neurological disorder, has affected thousands of children in South Sudan's Western Equatoria state, with its cause still unknown and no cure found. The disease, which leads to seizures and social isolation, has been linked to exposure to black-fly bites and onchocerciasis infection. Efforts to eradicate the black fly and treat onchocerciasis have shown promise in reducing new cases. Specialized clinics providing free epilepsy drugs have helped improve the lives of affected individuals, with some successfully returning to school and overcoming stigma.

via The Guardian|

#health #medical-research #neurological-disorder

health2 years ago•14 min saved

Unraveling the Mystery of Nodding Syndrome for a Cure

Nodding syndrome, a rare neurological disease characterized by repetitive head nodding and other severe symptoms, has haunted families in northern Uganda for two decades. While many experts believe the disease is related to the parasitic roundworm Onchocerca volvulus, which causes river blindness, others argue for other possible causes, including malnutrition and the consumption of a toxic mushroom. The lack of understanding of the disease's origins could delay current treatment and perhaps even the scientific know-how needed to combat the next nodding syndrome epidemic. Efforts to control Simulium fly populations and the distribution of anti-parasitic drugs like ivermectin have been rolled out in many rural villages affected by onchocerciasis, resulting in a decrease in new cases of nodding syndrome.

via NPR|

#health #neurological-disease #nodding-syndrome