Islands and Neurology: An Exploration into a Unique Association.

Journal: The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry

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Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India. Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India. Department of Radiation Oncology, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. Department of Internal Medicine, Bangalore Institute of Medical College and Research Institute, Karnataka, India.

Abstract summary 

The current study investigates the intricate connection between neurology and islands shedding light on the historical, epidemiological, and genetic aspects. Based on an elaborate literature review, we identified neurological conditions having a significant clustering in an island(s), confined to a particular island(s), named after an island, and described first in an island. The genetic factors played a crucial role, uncovering disorders like Cayman ataxia, Machado Joseph disease, SGCE-mediated dystonia-myoclonus syndrome, X-linked dystonia parkinsonism, hereditary transthyretinrelated amyloidosis, Charcot Marie Tooth 4F, and progressive myoclonic epilepsy syndromes, that exhibited remarkable clustering in diverse islands. Local customs also left enduring imprints. Practices such as cannibalism in Papua New Guinea led to Kuru, while cycad seed consumption in Guam triggered Lytico-Bodig disease. Toxin-mediated neurologic disorders exhibited intricate island connections, exemplified by Minamata disease in Kyushu islands and atypical parkinsonism in French Caribbean islands. Additionally, the Cuban epidemic of amblyopia and neuropathy was associated with severe nutritional deficiencies. This study pioneers a comprehensive review narrating the genetic, environmental, and cultural factors highlighting the spectrum of neurological disorders in island settings. It enriches the medical literature with a unique understanding of the diverse influences shaping neurological health in island environments.

Authors & Co-authors:  Dhar Debjyoti D Mm Samim S Parvin Naznin N Dey Treshita T Pal Anantini A Pal Pramod Kumar PK

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  6
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1177/10738584241257927
SSN : 1089-4098
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
epidemiology;history;island;neurological disorder;neurology
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Guinea
Publication Country
United States