Child neurology in the 21st century

Abstract

The last century has revolutionized the way in witch we see and understand the functions (and dysfunctions) of our nervous system. Huge progresses in the fields of neuroimaging and neurophysiology have brought a new breath to the ancient projects of correlating localization and function, hence resulting in large advances in the identification and diagnosis of most of the diseases we are currently able to recognize. The appearance of increasingly effective therapeutic options for many of the neurological conditions previously thought to be untreatable has discredited preconceptions, placing nihilist Neurology in the pursue of therapeutics. As a legacy of the decade of the brain, it is safe to anticipate that molecular biology and genetics will be the engines of the most important future progresses in the field of neurosciences, changing the way in witch we face and interpret the human mind. If the 20th century was the cradle of modern Neurology, the 21st century will be it's school, making it clear that we should expect the unexpected from 21st century Neurology. Side by side with the technological advances, neurological practice epidemiology has also been substantially changing in the last few decades, following the socio-demographic modifications, as well as the modern expectations and demands of the common citizen. With the constant growth of the geriatric population, it is safe to anticipate that diseases such as CVD or neurodegenerative pathology will acquire increasing relevance in the future. In fact, scientific progresses and social, economical and political pressures are radically changing the standards of neurological practice, with necessary consequences on the global quality of care and on Neurology training itself. A great part of the Neurologists are thus starting to recognize the necessity to reassess and redesign educational strategies, in order to address all of these future challenges. Facing the enormous modifications anticipated, today's Neurologists should revaluate their role during the upcoming years, taking part in the discovery of new solutions.