The paper deals with the etiology and epidemiology of "blitz" nodding spasms. The course of the disease was followed in 70 children who received various kinds of therapy within 1965 to 1976. Apparent prevalence of boys, role of genetic factors and the decisive importance of perinatal damages are noted. Even in the initial stage of the disease most children showed apparent signs of psychomotor retardation because of an early damage to the brain. The earliest time of the disease onset was the third week of life. An electroencephalographic examination showed a prevalence of type I (generalized) hypsarrhythmia. Treatment with ACTH and nitrazepam (radedorm) and in some cases also with apidan, lepsiral and chlopazepam was given. Frequent revision of the treatment schemes and combined treatment were found necessary. Only 5 of the 70 children developed in accordance with age; 18 children died of intercurrent infections at an age of under 5 years. Modern drugs (nitrazepam, dipromyl acetate, chlonazepam) did not improve the disease prognosis and could not replace completely the hormonal therapy.