Neurology without borders: Neurological disease in a shrinking world

The last half of the twentieth century has seen social, political, economic, and environmental changes which have altered patterns of health care in all parts of the world. International influences are becoming stronger each year, and the practice of medicine in any single country is becoming more and more influenced by events and practices in others. Environmental degradation may involve widespread dissemination of neurological toxins. Newly emerging or drug-resistant infections include those involving the nervous system. Effective neurological practice is more dependent than ever on knowledge of international health. Neurologists can act as effective advocates for appropriate treatment, allocation of resources, and prevention of neurological diseases. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.