Neurological disorders and travel

Author:

Awada, Adnan, Kojan, Suleiman

Title:

Neurological disorders and travel

Periodical:

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Year:

2003

Volume:

21

Pages:

189-192

Subject:

Altitude mountain sickness (AMS) Acute mountain sickness (AMS) Travel Neurological infections Neurological disorders

Summary:

This document describes two types of neurological disorders that may be associated with travel -- Neurological infections and Non-infective neurological disorders. Neurological infections include conditions such as encephalitides, neurotuberculosis, neurobrucellosis, cysticercosis and trichinosis. While some of these infections may be prevented by vaccinations, (such as Japanese B encephalitis and rabies), others may be prevented by using insect repellents or by avoiding raw milk products and undercooked meat. Non-infective neurological disorders include conditions such as acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema. It also includes problems that may occur during air travel such as syncope, seizures, strokes, nerve compression, barotrauma and vertigo, motion sickness. Food borne neurotoxic disorders such as ciguatera, shellfish poisoning, and intoxication by cassava may also be experienced by travelers who are unaware of these conditions and, therefore, unfamiliar with how to prevent these intoxications. However, if a traveler knows about these conditions, applies simple physiological rules, and/or takes specific medications when travelling to certain geographical areas, these diseases or disorders may be prevented. As a result, the signs and symptoms of these conditions are discussed in this article as well as ways in which the severity of the attacks may be minimized or prevented when travelling.

Label:

Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)

URL:

http://cletus.uhh.hawaii.edu:2074/10.1016/S0924-8579(02)00285-6

Date:

2003 February

Collection:

Periodicals