Nodding Syndrome (नॉडिंग सिंड्रोम) एक rare neurological disorder है जो आमतौर पर children aged 5–15 years में पाया जाता है।
- यह मुख्य रूप से East Africa (Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania) में देखा गया है।
- Syndrome का नाम इसलिए है क्योंकि affected children के सिर में repetitive nodding movements दिखाई देते हैं।
- Condition धीरे-धीरे cognitive decline, growth retardation और seizures का कारण बनती है।
Nodding Syndrome क्या है (What is Nodding Syndrome)
- Neurological disorder characterized by repetitive head nodding seizures
- Often triggered by food or cold
- Associated with epilepsy, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, and stunted growth
- Etiology अभी भी पूरी तरह clear नहीं है, लेकिन infectious, environmental और genetic factors suggest किए गए हैं
Nodding Syndrome कारण (Causes of Nodding Syndrome)
1. Parasitic Infection (Strong Evidence)
- Infection with Onchocerca volvulus (river blindness parasite)
- Possible autoimmune reaction affecting brain neurons
2. Environmental & Nutritional Factors
- Food scarcity, malnutrition
- Toxins in diet or environment
3. Genetic / Autoimmune Susceptibility
- Certain populations more affected
- Possibly autoimmune reaction triggered by parasite
4. Others
- Viral or unknown infectious agents may contribute
Exact cause remains uncertain, research ongoing।
Nodding Syndrome लक्षण (Symptoms of Nodding Syndrome)
- Head nodding seizures – triggered by food or cold
- Cognitive decline – learning difficulties, memory problems
- Growth retardation / stunted growth
- Behavioral changes – irritability, social withdrawal
- Other seizures – generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Malnutrition-related symptoms
Symptoms gradually worsen over months to years।
Nodding Syndrome कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Nodding Syndrome)
- Clinical History – head nodding, seizure triggers, age of onset
- Neurological Examination – cognitive and motor assessment
- EEG (Electroencephalography) – abnormal brain electrical activity
- MRI Brain Scan – sometimes shows atrophy or structural abnormalities
- Rule out other causes – epilepsy, malnutrition, infectious diseases
Diagnosis mainly clinical, supported by EEG and MRI।
Nodding Syndrome इलाज (Treatment of Nodding Syndrome)
1. Symptomatic Treatment
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) – sodium valproate, phenobarbital
- Nutritional support – vitamins, protein-rich diet
- Physical therapy – maintain mobility
2. Supportive Care
- Education support and cognitive therapy
- Caregiver training for seizure management
- Community health programs
3. Experimental / Research-based Therapies
- Anti-parasitic treatment (ivermectin) in endemic areas
- Ongoing studies on immunotherapy
No complete cure exists; treatment focuses on seizure control and quality of life improvement।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Control of Onchocerca volvulus infection using ivermectin programs
- Improve nutrition and food security
- Community awareness in endemic areas
- Regular medical monitoring for children at risk
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Children should avoid cold exposure or triggering foods during active seizures
- Caregivers must supervise daily activities to prevent injury during seizures
- Follow AED schedule strictly
- Promptly report worsening seizures or behavioral changes
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Nodding Syndrome contagious है?
नहीं, यह directly contagious नहीं है; parasitic infection indirect trigger हो सकता है।
Q2. क्या यह बच्चों में growth affect करता है?
हाँ, stunted growth और malnutrition आम हैं।
Q3. क्या इस बीमारी का इलाज possible है?
Complete cure नहीं है, लेकिन seizure control, nutrition और supportive care से quality of life improve होती है।
Q4. कौन high risk में है?
Children aged 5–15 years in riverine endemic areas of East Africa।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Nodding Syndrome (नॉडिंग सिंड्रोम) एक rare और debilitating neurological disorder है।
Early recognition, anti-epileptic treatment, nutritional support, और community health interventions से symptom management और life quality improvement संभव है।
अगर किसी बच्चे में head nodding seizures, cognitive decline या growth retardation दिखाई दे, तो तुरंत pediatric neurologist से consultation जरूरी है।