Neurological practice among Aztecs-Mexicas: Traditional medicine and religious practices

The Aztecs, later called the Mexicas, inhabited what is now central Mexico during the thirteenth through the fifteenth centuries and were one of the most powerful and widespread cultures in Mesoamerica. They were characterized by highly developed urbanism, architecture, education, sculpture, painting, pottery, jewelry, farming, medicine, sports, astronomy, war techniques, and other activities. Their physicians, called Ticitl, knew and treated several neurological diseases, including head trauma, epilepsy, vascular diseases, headache, dementia, depression, and addictions. This review describes Mexica knowledge of neurology and associated therapeutics. A literature review on the topic was performed in scholarly databases: I found 35 articles in PubMed, Google Scholar, and other databases. Based on these publications as well as historical documents, I describe how the Mexicas integrated their understanding and use of medicinal herbs as well as religious ceremonies for several neurological diseases. The Aztecs/Mexicas recognized several neurological diseases and developed herbal and religious treatments for them.