In western countries, the progressive appearance of tropical diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) has been associated with increased human migration, global warning, and tourism to tropical regions. At the same time, population growth, urbanisation, and deficiencies in water and sanitation systems lead to a re-emergence in endemic countries. Changes in world ecology have also modified the distribution of vectors involved in the transmission of some parasitary diseases. Several neglected tropical diseases can cause severe disability due to involvement of the CNS. In fact, clinical cases of neuro-schistosomiasis, neurocysticercosis, and chagasic stroke are increasingly detected in western countries. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and treatment may be hampered by the absence of adequate training programs in Tropical Neurology.Schistosomiasis, a public health problem in many underdeveloped countries, continues to radiate to new geographical areas due to elevated mobility of populations, and the increase of tourism in endemic areas.
Last date updated on July, 2014
