Cuidados paliativos: la visión del neurólogo en Uruguay / Palliative care from a neurologist's perspective in Uruguay / Cuidados paliativos: a visão do neurologista no Uruguai

Introducción: los cuidados paliativos (CP) han incluido en su abordaje patologías no oncológicas, sin embargo los criterios de inclusión de pacientes con enfermedades neurológicas avanzadas es aún un desafío. Objetivo: conocer la percepción de los neurólogos, residentes y posgrados sobre los CP. Método: se aplicó una encuesta en línea, ad hoc. Se exploró la percepción del profesional en cuatro áreas: experiencia de trabajo conjunto, enfermedades neurológicas pasibles de CP, criterios de derivación y autopercepción de la formación en CP. Resultados: se obtuvieron 60 respuestas, 73% de los neurólogos tenían más de 5 años de ejercicio. El 83% de los encuestados refirió haber compartido pacientes con profesionales de CP, el 87% afirmó que su experiencia fue positiva o muy positiva. El 53% consideró que la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica siempre debe recibir CP y alrededor de 80% evaluó la derivación de otras enfermedades sólo en etapas avanzadas. El principal criterio de derivación evocado fue la toma de decisiones anticipadas (66%), independientemente de los años de ejercicio. En relación a la autopercepción de la capacitación en el manejo del paciente con enfermedad neurológica avanzada al final de la vida, el 62% se percibió muy capacitado o aceptablemente capacitado. Conclusión: en esta primera aproximación de la perspectiva de los neurólogos del Uruguay con respecto a los CP, se destaca la necesidad de desarrollar guías de derivación y estrategias de trabajo conjunto para la asistencia integral de pacientes con enfermedades neurológicas pasibles de ser beneficiados por el enfoque de cuidados paliativos.

Introduction: palliative care (PC) has included non-oncologic conditions among its scope although inclusion criteria for patients with advanced neurological diseases continues to be challenging. Objective: to learn about the perception of neurologists, residents and postgraduates on palliative care. Method: an online, ad hoc survey was conducted. The survey explored the perception of professional in four areas: work experience in collaborative work, neurological conditions that could qualify for PC, criteria for referral and self-perception of palliative care training. Results: 60 replies were obtained. 73% of participants in the survey were neurologists with over 5 years of practice. 83% of surveyed physicians stated they had shared patients with PC professionals; 87% affirmed their experience had been positive or very positive. 53% found amyotrophic lateral sclerosis must receive PC in all cases and 80% considers the appropriateness of referring patients with other conditions only in advanced stages of the disease. The main criteria for referral mentioned was the making of anticipated decisions (66%), regardless of the years of practice. As to their self-perception of training in the handling of patients with advanced neurological disease at the end of life, 62% see themselves as very well prepared or satisfactorily prepared. Conclusions: in this first approach to the perspective of neurologists in Uruguay on palliative care, we stand out the need to create referral guidelines and strategies for collaborative work for the comprehensive handling of patients with neurological conditions that could qualify for benefiting from palliative care.

Introdução: os cuidados paliativos (CP) têm incluído patologias não oncológicas na sua abordagem; no entanto os critérios de inclusão para doentes com doenças neurológicas avançadas ainda são um desafio. Objetivo: conhecer a percepção de neurologistas, residentes e pós-graduandos de neurologia sobre os CP. Método: foi aplicado um questionário online, ad hoc. A percepção do profissional foi explorada em quatro áreas: experiência de trabalho conjunto, doenças neurológicas susceptíveis ao CP, critérios de encaminhamento e autopercepção da capacitação em CP. Resultados: foram obtidas 60 respostas sendo 73% neurologistas com mais de 5 anos de prática. 83% dos entrevistados relataram ter compartilhado pacientes com profissionais de CP; 87% afirmam que sua experiência foi positiva ou muito positiva. 53% consideraram que a Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica deve sempre receber CP e cerca de 80% avaliaram o encaminhamento de outras doenças apenas em estágios avançados. O principal critério de encaminhamento evocado foi a tomada de decisão precoce (66%), independentemente dos anos de prática. Em relação à autopercepção de capacitação no manejo de pacientes com doença neurológica avançada na fase final da vida, 62% percebem-se altamente capacitados ou com treinamento aceitável. Conclusão: nesta primeira aproximação à perspectiva dos neurologistas uruguaios sobre os CP, destaca-se a necessidade de desenvolver guias de encaminhamento e estratégias de trabalho conjunto para o atendimento integral de pacientes com doenças neurológicas que possam se beneficiar da abordagem de cuidados paliativos.

Training of neurologists for the 21st century: cultural and professional skills / O treinamento do Neurologista para o século XXI: habilidades profissionais e culturais

Abstract Training of neurologists for the near future is a challenge due to the likely advances in neuroscientific methods, which will change much of our knowledge on diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. Objective: to comment on what may be more likely to be a constant in the very near future and to recommend how to prepare the neurologist for the 21st century. Methods: through a critical review of recent articles on the teaching of Neurology, to present a personal view on the subject. Results: Diagnostic methods and therapeutic resources in Neurology will be greatly improved, but the central core of teaching young neurologists will continue to be the clinical/anatomical correlation. The neurologist must be prepared to be the primary physician in the care of patients with neurological disorders, although the roles of consultant and clinical neuroscientist must also be considered. In addition to technical knowledge, the neurologist must be prepared to discuss not only distressing issues related to the specialty, such as the risks of genetic diseases for family members of their patients, the inexorable progression of some diseases and the need for palliative care, but also problems not directly related to Neurology that cause anxiety and depression in the patient or that are the main reason for the initial consultation. Conclusion: neurology will be an even more important area of medicine and the neurologist must be well prepared to be the primary doctor to diagnose, treat and follow the patient with neurological disorders. In addition to technical knowledge, training in doctor-patient relations should be highlighted.

Resumo A formação do neurologista para o futuro próximo é um desafio devido aos prováveis avanços nos métodos da neurociência, que mudarão muito do nosso conhecimento sobre diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças neurológicas. Objetivo: comentar o que pode ser mais constante no futuro próximo e propor como preparar o neurologista para o século XXI. Métodos: por meio de uma revisão crítica de artigos recentes sobre o ensino da Neurologia, apresentar uma visão pessoal sobre o assunto. Resultados: Os métodos diagnósticos e os recursos terapêuticos em Neurologia serão muito aprimorados, mas o núcleo central do ensino de jovens neurologistas continuará sendo a correlação clínico-anatômica. O neurologista deve estar preparado para ser o médico principal no atendimento de pacientes com distúrbios neurológicos, embora os papéis de consultor e neurocientista clínico também devam ser considerados. Além do conhecimento técnico, o neurologista deve estar preparado para discutir não apenas questões angustiantes relacionadas à especialidade, como os riscos de doenças genéticas para os familiares de seus pacientes, a progressão inexorável de algumas doenças e a indicação de cuidados paliativos, mas também problemas não diretamente relacionados à Neurologia que causam ansiedade e depressão no paciente ou que são a principal causa da consulta. Conclusão: a neurologia será uma área ainda mais importante da medicina e o neurologista deve estar bem-preparado para ser o médico principal para diagnosticar, tratar e acompanhar o paciente com distúrbios neurológicos. Além do conhecimento técnico, a formação humanística deve ter destaque.

Expert consensus for clinical prevention and treatment of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for neurologists / 中华神经科杂志

The epidemic of coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19) has presented as a grim and complex situation recently.Novel coronavirus may also involvethe nervous systemother than lung. Therefore, especially patients whosefirst symptoms are nervous system symptomsin the early stage, may easilybe misdiagnosed and their treatment may be delayed. Moreover, these patients are also invisible communicators. In order to help neurologists understand the occurrence, development and outcome of this disease, and be familiar with the relevant prevention and treatment process, wewrite this expert consensus for clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19for neurologists.

Tiempos de llegada de pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular en un hospital regional de alta complejidad / Arrival times of patients with stroke to a public hospital

Background: Stroke is a time-dependent emergency. Most patients with acute ischemic stroke are excluded from reperfusion therapies due to late consultation. Aims: To estimate the arrival times of patients with stroke to the Emergency Room (ER) of a public hospital. To identify factors associated with early consultation. Material and Methods: A convenience sample, 583 patients aged 71 ± 13 years (55% males) consulting for stroke at an emergency room was analyzed in terms of delay between onset of symptoms and arrival to the ER, demographics and etiology of stroke. Results: The admission diagnoses were ischemic stroke in 76%, intracerebral hemorrhage in 12%, transient ischemic attack in 9% and subarachnoid hemorrhage in 3%. The median time of arrival was 8 hours and 11 minutes after the onset of symptoms. Nineteen percent of consultations for ischemic stroke occurred within 3 hours of symptom onset, and 38% within 6 hours. In the logistic regression analysis, having an address near the hospital and the severity of stroke were associated with early consultation with a combined odds ratio of 5.97 (95% confidence intervals 3.23-11.04). Conclusions: There were significant differences in the arrival times of patients with stroke. Only a low proportion of patients with ischemic stroke consulted within the window for reperfusion therapies. Severe strokes and living near the hospital were associated with early consultation.

Current Status and Issues of Acute Stroke Management in Korea: Results of a Nationwide Acute Stroke Care Hospital Survey

BACKGROUND: Burden of acute stroke management is increasing according to aging population and advances in the therapeutic time window. However, reduction of resident numbers by the national policy in addition to the underlying low medical charge and reward gradually leaded to a lower rate of application to neurology department. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide survey from May 29, 2017 through July 11, 2017 to evaluate the real-world working conditions and issues of acute stroke management by stroke neurologists in Korea. Of 100 candidates of stroke professors/specialists, a total of 81 physicians participated the survey comprising 40 questionnaires. RESULTS: Stroke care physicians were suffering from heavy work load of inpatient care, outpatient clinic due to shortage of manpower for caring acute stroke. There were only three hospitals (3.7%) where neurologists independently take lead an endovascular therapy. About 43% of the participants were involving in primary duty for acute stroke management stroke, majority of whom (65.7%) were on by themselves. Participants pointed out that the biggest drawbacks were manpower shortage due to lack of residents, and numerous frequencies of primary duty. Approximately 80% of the participants forecasted a dismal future for stroke field. CONCLUSIONS: With the growing incidence of stroke, there is an emerging need for increasing number of neurologists due to contemporary grave shortage of stroke neurologists. It is necessary to investigate the effective demand forecasting for stroke neurologists for the strategy to improve an unmet quality of stroke care with the awareness and help of government.

Mobile device for thrombolysis decisions for telestroke / Dispositivo móvil para decisiones de trombólisis mediante Telestroke

Abstract Aim: This study compares the reliability of brain CT interpretations performed using a diagnostic workstation and a mobile tablet computer in a telestroke context. Methods: A factorial design with 1,452 interpretations was used. Reliability was evaluated using the Fleiss' kappa coefficient on the agreements of the interpretation results on the lesion classification, presence of imaging contraindications to the intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) administration, and on the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Results: The intra-observer agreements were as follows: good agreement on the overall lesion classification (κ= 0.63, p<0.001), very good agreement on hemorrhagic lesions (κ= 0.89, p<0.001), and moderate agreements on both without acute lesion classification and acute ischemic lesion classification (κ= 0.59 and κ= 0.58 respectively, p<0.001). There was good intra-observer agreement on the dichotomized-ASPECTS (κ= 0.65, p<0.001). Conclusions: The results of our study allow us to conclude that the reliability of the mobile solution for interpreting brain CT images of patients with acute stroke was assured, which would allow efficient and low-cost telestroke services.

Resumen Objetivo: Este estudio compara la confiabilidad de interpretaciones de TAC de cráneo simple realizadas utilizando una estación de trabajo de diagnóstico y un computador tableta en un contexto de teleACV. Métodos: Se utilizó un diseño factorial con 1,452 interpretaciones. La confiabilidad se evaluó utilizando el coeficiente kappa de Fleiss en las concordancias sobre los resultados de la interpretación en la clasificación de la lesión, la presencia de contraindicaciones en la imagen para la administración intravenosa del activador del plasminógeno tisular (AP-t) y con el Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Resultados: Se obtuvieron las siguientes concordancias intraobservadores: buena concordancia en la clasificación general de la lesión (κ= 0.63, p<0.001), muy buena concordancia en lesiones hemorrágicas (κ= 0.89, p< 0.001), y concordancia moderada en ambos sin clasificación de lesión aguda y clasificación de lesión isquémica aguda (κ= 0.59 y κ= 0.58 respectivamente, p<0.001). Hubo una buena concordancia intraobservadores en el ASPECTS dicotomizado (κ= 0.65, p<0.001). Conclusiones: Los resultados de nuestro estudio permiten concluir que la confiabilidad de la solución móvil para la interpretación de imágenes de TAC de cráneo simple de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular agudo (ACV) estaba garantizada, lo que permitiría servicios de teleACV eficientes y de bajo costo.

Tiempos de atención de urgencias neurológicas en un hospital regional de alta complejidad / Waiting times for neurological emergencies in an emergency room

Background: Neurological emergencies constitute 10-15% of medical emergencies. Doctor Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital has in house neurologists present permanently at the Emergency Room since July 2013. Aim: To estimate the waiting times for neurological consultations; to compare the waiting times between neurovascular (UV) and non-vascular (UNV) emergencies; and to compare the waiting times of two prioritization (triage) models. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of the consultations made during shift # 1 at the emergency room between January and December 2016, was analyzed. Results: There were 859 consultations in the period, 570 for UNV and 289 for UV. Mean age of consultants was 57 years and 52% were women. The median time for having an evaluation by a neurologist was 106 min (132 and 81 min for UNV and UV respectively). Twenty seven percent of patients were evaluated in less than one hour (23 and 36% of UNV and UV, respectively). The change of the prioritization model decreased the waiting time by 81 and 32 min for UNV and UV, respectively. Conclusions: There were significant differences in waiting times between neurovascular and non-vascular emergencies. Most patients were not evaluated in less than 60 minutes. The change in the initial stratification model was associated with a significant reduction in the waiting times for neurological emergencies.

Present and Future of Neurologist: Do We Have Enough Neurologists?

Korea is one of the fastest aging country in the world. As the old population increases, incidence of stroke would rapidly increase. We estimated future of the neurologist supply in Korea, and assessed whether the present neurologist supply is appropriate to cope with future increase of stroke. We reviewed the resource database of neurologists affiliated to Korean Neurological Association. Age, sex, location of workplace, and work positions were identified. The stroke incidence was calculated from age group specific incidence data and projected age group number. Age group specific incidence data was adapted from the 2006 report of the Construction of National Surveillance System for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease. Total 1,828 neurologists in practice were identified. Six hundred and fifty-five (30%) worked in training hospitals. 457 (21%) in other general hospitals, 305 (14%) in private clinics, and 148 (7%) worked in nursing hospitals. Assuming that the neurologists are trained 82 people per year as in the present, 2,073 neurologists would be present in 2020, 2,659 in 2030. However, stroke incidence would show more rapid increment, and is expected about 170,000 per year in 2020 and 300,000 per year in 2030. Therefore, there will be a shortage of neurologists needed for stroke care in the future. Because of rapid increase in the elderly population, current supply of neurologists may not meet the expected need for stroke care. Therefore, national health system needs more neurologists to cope with that situation.

Numerical Considerations of the Neurologist in Korea for Appropriate Management of Dementia

As the number of dementia patients increases due to rapid aging, the burden of dementia becomes a big social problem. In response to this, various policies have been introduced in Korea. In particular, as the new policy of national responsibility for dementia care has been implemented in 2017, detailed plans for improving health care and long-term care support for dementia patients and their caregivers have been introduced. The most important thing in carrying out the comprehensive government plan will be securing sufficient the professional health and social care workforce. However, the number of neurologists to play an important role in the management of dementia will be more and more insufficient. Therefore, the need to supply an adequate number of neurologists in Korea should be discussed.

Burnout syndrome and satisfaction with life among neurologists in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Síndrome de burnout e satisfação com a vida em neurologistas do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between burnout syndrome and satisfaction with life in neurologists in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and to identify associated demographic and social/occupational variables. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent by Internet to the 243 members of the Rio de Janeiro Neurologists Association. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to individually evaluate each of the dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and feeling of reduced personal accomplishment, while the Satisfaction with Life Scale was used to assess satisfaction with life. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-four questionnaires were returned (38.8%). The rate of burnout was 60.6% (Grunfeld) compared to 6.4% (Ramirez). Satisfaction with life was found in 86.2% of cases. There was a significant correlation between burnout and satisfaction with life, in both burnout criteria. When each dimension of the MBI was correlated with satisfaction with life, the following associations were found: emotional exhaustion (p < 0.0001; r = -0.417), depersonalization (p = 0.0013; r = -0.329) and feeling of reduced personal accomplishment (p = 0.0001; r = -0.491). CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between burnout and dissatisfaction with life among neurologists in Rio de Janeiro. Although the majority is satisfied with their lives, a high occurrence of burnout was found with both sets of criteria. The principal variables associated with burnout syndrome and dissatisfaction with life were long working hours, being unmarried, not being religious, having worked for less time in the specialty, lack of vacations, and not taking part in any form of physical activity or hobby.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a correlação entre a síndrome de burnout e satisfação com a vida em neurologistas do estado do Rio de Janei-ro e identificar variáveis demográficas e sociocupacionais associa-das. MÉTODOS: Um questionário foi enviado pela Internet para 243 neurologistas, membros da Associação de Neurologia do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (ANERJ). O Inventário de Burnout de Maslach (MBI) foi usado para avaliar individualmente cada uma das dimensões de exaustão emocional, despersonalização e sentimento de realização pessoal reduzido, enquanto a satisfação com a vida de escala foi uti-lizada para avaliar a satisfação com a vida. O teste de qui-quadrado, teste exato de Fisher e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foram utilizados na análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Noventa e quatro questionários foram respondidos (38,8). A taxa de burnout foi 60,6 (Grunfeld) em comparação com 6,4 (Ramirez). Satisfação com a vida foi definida em 86,2. Houve uma correlação significativa entre burnout e satisfação com a vida em ambos os critérios de burnout. Quando cada dimensão do MBI correlacionou-se com a satisfação com a vida, foram encontradas as seguintes associações: exaustão emocional (p = 0.0001; r = -0.417), despersonalização (p = 0.0013; r = -0.329) e sensação de redução da realização pessoal (p = 0.0001; r = -0.491). CONCLUSÃO: Existe uma correlação entre estresse e insatisfação com a vida entre os neurologistas do Rio de Janeiro. Embora a maioria esteja satisfeita com suas vidas, uma alta ocorrência de burnout foi encontrada.

Neurologists' Awareness and Preparedness on Prion Diseases in Korea

BACKGROUND: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is very rare human prion disease. But, neurologists take a key role in diagnosis, surveillance and management of the cases because of its complexity and difficulty in diagnosis of the disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of awareness and preparedness of Korean neurologists on this rare disease. METHODS: Survey sheets of self-administered questionnaire were given to Korean neurologists who participated in the 31st Annual Meeting of the Koran Neurological Association. Data from 133 respondents were conducted by descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Their answers were as follows: About 62% of neurologists have experienced patients of CJD. Forty-four percent of the patients were confirmed by brain biopsy. Most of neurologists (44%) were not confident to diagnose CJD and the reason why they felt hard to diagnose was due to the variable initial clinical manifestations (45.1%) and the lack of clinical experience (51.9%). Heidenheim variant CJD, proteinase sensitive prionopathy, molecular subtypes of sporadic CJD, diagnostic criteria was not familiar term to Korean neurologists (76.7%, 53.4%, 58.6%, and 62.4% respectively). Opinion for the most useful diagnostic tool was brain MRI (45.1%), CSF 14-3-3 protein (30.1%), typical EEG finding (36.8%) and gene (PRNP) test (42.9%). And they consider none of them are specific for the diagnosis of CJD (89.5%, 73.7%, 83.5%, 91.7%, respectively). Most of the neurologist in this survey answered that the opportunity for education of CJD should be increased (67.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Most of neurologists have encountered CJD patients although it is very rare disease. Some of the important and fundamental concepts of CJD were not correctly recognized to Korean neurologists, necessitating a persistent support for updating knowledge and information.

Calidad de vida en psiquiatras infanto-juveniles, neuropediatras y residentes de psiquiatría infanto-juvenil: uso de la encuesta WHOQOL-BREF / Quality of life in children and adolescents psychiatrists and neurologists: use of WHOWOL-BREF survey

El presente estudio se basa en la Encuesta de Calidad de Vida de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (WHOQOL-BREF), que se utilizó para analizar la calidad de vida y los factores que contribuyen a su calidad de vida en Psiquiatras Infanto-Juveniles y Neuropediatras, además de residentes de ambas especialidades en Chile. Se realizaron entrevistas electrónicas a 79 profesionales, asociados a la Sociedad de Psiquiatría y Neurología de la Infancia y de la Adolescencia. Los resultados mostraron que las puntuaciones medias en cada dominio del WHOQOL-BREF de los profesionales son las siguientes: la capacidad física (CF) es de 15,11 +/- 2.55, el bienestar psicológico (BP) fue de 15,22 +/- 2.08, relaciones sociales (RS) fue 14,63 +/- 2.75 y el medio ambiente (MA) 15,04 +/- 2.39. Estas puntuaciones medias fueron inferiores a las de la población general. Por último, se realizaron regresiones múltiples por pasos para examinar las características del Psiquiatra Infanto-Juvenil, Neurólogo Infantil y residentes de la especialidad. El estudio encontró que los siguientes tres factores: la percepción subjetiva del estado de salud, los hogares, los ingresos y el estrés de apoyo familiar insuficiente, fueron significativamente correlacionados con los cuatro dominios de regresión múltiple análisis. Los resultados destacan que los cuidadores de los niños y adolescentes con discapacidad intelectual parecen mostrar una menor WHOQOL-BREF puntuación media que la población general, probablemente por una combinación de estrés, la salud y los factores de ingreso de los hogares. Estas conclusiones deben tenerse en cuenta en la formulación de políticas para proporcionar medidas de mayor apoyo e intervenciones más específicas para los psiquiatras infanto-juveniles y Neuropediatras.

The present study is based on World Health Organization´s quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) scale to examine quality of life of child and adolescent psychiatrists and child neurologists in Chile, and the factors contributing to their quality of life. Structured interviews were conducted with 79 practitioners. Self-evaluation of their quality of life revealed that 72 percent considered it good or very good, while 58 percent were pleased of very pleased with regards to health satisfaction. The mean scores obtained in each domain of WHOQOL-BREF were: physical capacity (PC) 15.11 +- 2.55, psychological well-being (PW) 15.22 +-2.08, social relationship (SR) 14.63 +- 2.75 and environment (EN) 15.04 +- 2.39. Finally, multiple stepwise regressions were conducted to examine the characteristics of the practitioners which more likely explained the WHOQOL-BREF mean scores. The study found that marital status was significantly correlated to psychological well-being and environment; religion was significantly correlated to the environment; and the number of work places with physical capacity and quality of life score. The results highlights that child and adolescent psychiatrists and child neurologists display a higher WHOQOL-BREF mean score than the general population however, in certain domains the scores are lower, probably due to a combination of stress and health factors. These finding must be taken into account in policy making to provide better and more specific supports and interventions for the child and adolescent psychiatrists and child neurologists.

Training and certification of neurologists in South East Asia

South East Asia has 8% of world population, but only has 2% of the total number of neurologists in the world. Seven of the 11 countries in South East Asia have training programmes in Neurology. Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore require prior training and certification in Internal Medicine before admission to training to Neurology. Most training programmes are 3 years in duration, inclusive of mandatory rotation to clinical neurophysiology. Assessment and certification processes are vigorous in most countries. Mature age, lack of funding, inadequate direct clinical responsibilities, and poor literacy in English are other issues in some of the countries. There is need to improve the quality as well as quantity in the training of neurologists in the region.