Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: Charting a path forward.
Seizure
; 2024 Apr 21.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38677953
ABSTRACT
This narrative review intends to inform neurologists and public health professionals about Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy (OAE), a neglected public health problem in many remote onchocerciasis-endemic areas. For epidemiological purposes, we define OAE as sudden-onset of convulsive and non-convulsive seizure types, including head nodding seizures (nodding syndrome) in a previously healthy child aged 3 to 18 years in the absence of any other obvious cause for epilepsy, all happening within an area with high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission. Several OAE pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, but none has been proven yet. Recent population-based studies showed that strengthening onchocerciasis elimination programs was followed by a significant reduction in the incidence of OAE and nodding syndrome. Treating epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic regions is challenging. More advocacy is needed to provide uninterrupted, free access to anti-seizure medication to persons with epilepsy in these remote, impoverished areas. It is crucial todevelop policies and increase funding for the prevention and treatment of OAE to reduce the associated burden of disease, notably via the establishment of morbidity management and disability prevention programs (MMDP). Moreover, effective collaboration between onchocerciasis elimination and mental health programs is imperative to alleviate the burden of OAE. This synergy promises reciprocal advantages and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address this multifaceted challenge.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Seizure
Asunto de la revista:
NEUROLOGIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Sudáfrica
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido