Neurology in Migrants and Refugees

This book presents recent research showing that migrants have more health problems than the host populations, and offers a comprehensive approach to address this. Migrants are vital in terms of improving the demographics of countries with an aging population, and their economic contribution is undeniable - although they are often confined to difficult and low-value jobs. However, they are more vulnerable to both communicable diseases and some non-communicable diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes or obesity). The prevalence of neurological diseases remains largely unknown among migrants and refugees. But, given the high prevalence of neurological diseases in developing countries, where the majority of migrants originate from, these diseases are likely to be common among migrants. In addition, the incidence, prevalence and clinical presentation of neurological diseases may differ depending on the epidemiology, geography and genetic background. Further, due to the nature of migration, many refugees suffer from post-traumatic syndrome and functional neurologic disorders. The cultural and religious beliefs of migrants can lead to epileptic seizures being under diagnosed and often untreated, and stroke can be a major public health problem among migrants as a result of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and smoking with. Addressing vascular risk factors and cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, it also vital.
This book raises awareness of the particularities of neurological disorders among immigrant populations and advocates for prevention and adequate management of these diseases in these populations. It is a valuable resource for neurologists around the globe, and health policymakers in host countries.

Discusses the scientific and epidemiological data of each neurological disease in migrant

Provides practical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of each disease

Examines the relation between immigration and neurological diseases in migrants and refugees