New evidence for nodding disease as an autoimmune reaction to Onchocerca volvulus

Over the past decade, we have seen the emergence of an enigmatic condition called nodding syndrome (1). This condition is characterized by episodes of repetitive nodding forward of head that may be the result of atonic seizure. The etiology of this seizure is unknown, although associations with other developmental conditions have been established (2,3). This syndrome is also characterized by significant brain atrophy near the hippocampal and glia matter along with cerebellar signs. The brain injury leads to life-long severe neurodisability and accompanying behavior problems, and high mortality (4).