ABSTRACT
Infectious diseases are increasingly common in modern clinical practice and the contemporary
neurologist must be aware of the clinical manifestations, potential complications,
and management of common travel-related infections. The authors provide an approach
to patients who present with neurologic symptoms, with a history of travel to or residence
in tropical and developing countries. Although many other infections are important
in this demographic, they focus on three parasitic infections that neurologists may
encounter: cerebral malaria, neuroschistosomiasis, and neurocysticercosis. The epidemiology,
pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment are
discussed for each infection.
KEYWORDS
Neuroinfectious diseases - neuroschistosomiasis - cerebral malaria - neurocysticercosis
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Kiran ThakurM.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02115
eMail: kthakur@partners.org