Delivering neurocritical care in resource-challenged environments

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a substantial burden of neurocritical illness.
• The epidemiology of neurocritical conditions in LMICs is evolving, including infectious and noncommunicable neurological diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review barriers to delivering neurocritical care in resource-limited settings.
• To identify potential solutions for improving neurocritical care capacity in LMICs.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article.
• The review synthesizes information on neurocritical care capacity, barriers, and potential solutions in LMICs.

Main Results:

• Neurocritical illness in LMICs includes stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury, alongside neuro-infections.
• Significant barriers include a lack of intensive care unit beds, trained personnel, research, and public awareness.
• Prehospital care and trauma systems are underdeveloped in these regions.

Conclusions:

• Developing neurocritical care in resource-challenged environments is crucial given the disease burden.
• Strategies should focus on research, local training, capacity building, prevention, and enhancing prehospital care.