Neurologic disability: a hidden epidemic for India

Abstract

India, the world's second most populous country, is facing the emergence of a hitherto "hidden" epidemic: neurologic disability. The rapid economic, demographic, and social transformation of India in recent decades has already resulted in the double burden of unresolved epidemics of infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis) coupled with rising rates of chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases). Neurologic disability is likely to join these public health concerns as a third epidemic, largely due to 3 emerging health trends: 1) an increase in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from road traffic accidents (RTA); 2) an increase in the incidence of age-related dementia; and 3) an increase in the stroke incidence. Without adequate preparation, the treatment and long-term care for an increasing population of neurologically disabled people will strain India's health care system and economy in the coming years in unprecedented ways.