Koro is a form of body dysmorphic disorder in which men believe their sex organs are shrinking or disappearing. The name of this nasty little brain tick is borrowed from Malay, and translates as “tortoise head,” referring to the way a tortoise looks when tucking its head under its shell. Although it's a real condition, it's also a culture bound syndrome and is most prevalent in the south of China. However, in 1997, it found its way to Accra, Ghana, and all hell broke loose.
On January 18th, 1997, five men were beaten to death and seven were hanged for allegedly committing sorcery. The “victims” of the sorcerers claimed the wizardly evildoers had touched their groin area, causing their genitals to either begin shrinking or disappear entirely in order to extort them for cash in exchange for the cure. Rioting in the streets was so severe that the president had to call in the army to restore order.
Talk about losing your head.