Is Tropical Neurology specific?

Abstract

Only countries situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn belong to the real tropical parts of the world. But often, the “tropical” concept also concerns regions situated outside of the tropics, because of environmental, cultural and socioeconomic similarities. The neurological affections and their consequences are closely connected to this tropical environment. Actually, a deep and relatively quick mutation in the environmental conditions and in the neurological practices in tropical countries occurs, that raises the question whether the tropical neurology is still specific. Indeed, this concept is now obsolete, because of the gradual attenuation or even disappearance of certain environmental conditions such as poor socio–economic status, infectious diseases. Ubiquitous diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, dementia, are now growing quickly in tropical regions. Moreover, several infectious diseases, such as dengue, formerly encountered only in the tropics, have now become ubiquitous. Nevertheless, despite these considerations, tropical neurology still remains specific and original because: – cultural peculiarities that have neurological consequences will persist for a long time, – there is a specific common denominator in all tropical regions, and this will not change: the intense solar radiations and UVB rays, which could have many consequences. Among them, the characteristic of inhibiting the functioning of the dermis Langerhans cells, with all the immunological consequences ensuing, particularly the low prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the tropics. So YES, we must consider that tropical neurology is still specific, and as such, deserves to be recognized as a speciality of neurology.