Surreal illustration of a parasite intersecting with a human brain, symbolizing onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy.

Can Ivermectin Combat Epilepsy? New Hope in the Fight Against Onchocerciasis

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A recent study in Cameroon reveals the impact of over a decade of ivermectin treatments on epilepsy rates in areas plagued by onchocerciasis, offering new insights into preventative healthcare."

Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, with a disproportionate burden falling on low- and middle-income countries. In certain regions, the parasitic disease onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, has been linked to an increased risk of epilepsy. This connection has prompted researchers to explore innovative strategies for prevention, one of which involves the drug ivermectin.

A new study conducted in the Mbam and Sanaga river valleys of Cameroon, areas where onchocerciasis is endemic, sheds light on the long-term impact of ivermectin treatments on epilepsy rates. The research, spanning over a decade, offers encouraging evidence that community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) can play a significant role in modifying the epidemiology of epilepsy in these vulnerable populations.

This article breaks down the study's methodology, key findings, and implications for public health, particularly in regions grappling with the dual challenges of parasitic diseases and neurological disorders. Understanding the potential of ivermectin in this context could pave the way for more effective prevention strategies and improve the lives of countless individuals.

Ivermectin's Impact: A Detailed Look at the Cameroon Study

Surreal illustration of a parasite intersecting with a human brain, symbolizing onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy.

Researchers conducted door-to-door surveys in two villages, Bilomo and Kelleng, in Cameroon during August 2017 and January 2018. The goal was to assess the prevalence of epilepsy after more than 13 years of CDTI. Epilepsy diagnoses were made using a standardized questionnaire and confirmed by a neurologist. Children aged 7–10 years were also tested for Ov16 antibodies to gauge onchocerciasis transmission rates. Findings were then compared with data collected from previous surveys in these same villages.

The results revealed some key trends:

Epilepsy Prevalence: The crude prevalence of epilepsy was 4.6% in Bilomo and 7.8% in Kelleng.
Nodding Seizures: 15.6% of epilepsy cases involved nodding seizures.
Age Shift: The median age of people with epilepsy (PWE) increased, suggesting ivermectin might be preventing new cases in younger residents.
Decreased Prevalence: Standardized epilepsy prevalence in Kelleng decreased from 13.5% in 2004 to 9.3% in 2018.
Ongoing Transmission: Despite the progress, 47.6% of children tested positive for Ov16 antibodies, indicating ongoing onchocerciasis transmission.

These findings suggest that while ivermectin treatment is having a positive impact, onchocerciasis transmission remains a concern, highlighting the need for strengthened elimination programs.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Onchocerciasis Elimination Programs

The study reinforces the importance of ivermectin in reducing epilepsy prevalence in onchocerciasis-endemic areas. The observed age shift in PWE further suggests that ivermectin may prevent new cases, particularly among younger individuals.

However, the persistent onchocerciasis transmission, as indicated by Ov16 seropositivity in children, underscores the need to enhance current control measures. Suboptimal ivermectin coverage may be contributing to the ongoing transmission, calling for innovative strategies to improve participation and effectiveness.

By addressing the challenges in onchocerciasis control and strengthening elimination programs, we can move closer to a future where the burden of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy is significantly reduced, improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in Cameroon and beyond.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s40249-018-0497-1, Alternate LINK

Title: Epidemiology Of Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy In The Mbam And Sanaga River Valleys Of Cameroon: Impact Of More Than 13 Years Of Ivermectin

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Infectious Diseases of Poverty

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Godwin Tatah, Earnest Njih Tabah, Leonard Ngarka, Leonard Njamnshi Nfor, Samuel Eric Chokote, Michel K. Mengnjo, Fidèle Dema, Aurélien Tele Sitouok, Grace Nkoro, Félicien E. Ntone, Anne-Cécile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek, Cédric B. Chesnais, Michel Boussinesq, Robert Colebunders, Alfred K. Njamnshi

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does ivermectin treatment affect epilepsy rates in areas with onchocerciasis, according to the study in Cameroon?

The research conducted in Cameroon found that long-term community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) may play a significant role in modifying the epidemiology of epilepsy in vulnerable populations affected by onchocerciasis. Specifically, the study observed a decrease in epilepsy prevalence in one village and an increase in the median age of people with epilepsy (PWE), suggesting ivermectin might be preventing new cases, especially among younger individuals. However, the study also revealed that onchocerciasis transmission remains a concern, highlighting the need for strengthened elimination programs.

Where and how was the study on ivermectin and epilepsy conducted?

The study focused on the impact of ivermectin treatments on epilepsy rates in areas where onchocerciasis is endemic, specifically the Mbam and Sanaga river valleys of Cameroon. Researchers conducted door-to-door surveys in two villages, Bilomo and Kelleng, assessing epilepsy prevalence after over 13 years of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). They also tested children for Ov16 antibodies to gauge onchocerciasis transmission rates. The goal was to understand how ivermectin impacts the occurrence and characteristics of epilepsy in these populations.

What were the key findings of the Cameroon study regarding epilepsy prevalence and onchocerciasis transmission?

The study revealed a crude epilepsy prevalence of 4.6% in Bilomo and 7.8% in Kelleng. Nodding seizures were present in 15.6% of epilepsy cases. The median age of people with epilepsy (PWE) increased, and standardized epilepsy prevalence in Kelleng decreased from 13.5% in 2004 to 9.3% in 2018. However, 47.6% of children tested positive for Ov16 antibodies, indicating ongoing onchocerciasis transmission, even with ivermectin treatment.

Does the study suggest ivermectin alone is enough to eliminate onchocerciasis and its related epilepsy?

While the study demonstrates the potential of ivermectin in reducing epilepsy prevalence in onchocerciasis-endemic areas, it also emphasizes that ivermectin treatment alone may not be sufficient to eliminate onchocerciasis transmission completely. The high percentage of children testing positive for Ov16 antibodies indicates that strengthened onchocerciasis elimination programs are necessary. This could involve more frequent ivermectin treatments, improved vector control, and enhanced health education to reduce transmission rates effectively.

What are the potential long-term implications of using ivermectin to combat epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic regions, based on the study's findings?

The study suggests that ivermectin could be a valuable tool in preventing new cases of epilepsy associated with onchocerciasis, particularly among younger individuals. This is indicated by the increase in the median age of people with epilepsy (PWE) in the studied villages. If ivermectin treatment is preventing new cases, it implies that early and consistent intervention can significantly reduce the burden of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy in endemic regions. However, it's important to note that the study also highlights the ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis, underscoring the need for comprehensive control strategies.