Neurology in Mexico

Neurology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and the treatment of diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex and sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates our body activities. It is divided into two major parts:

• The central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord
• The peripheral nervous system: all nerves branching out from the brain and spinal cord, and extend to other parts of the body, including organs and muscles.

Since the nervous system is complex, there are numerous subspecialties within the field of neurology, including:

• Neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Pediatric or child neurology
• Neuromuscular medicine
• Pain medicine
• Hospice and palliative care neurology
• Headache medicine
• Vascular Neurology (stroke care)
• Sleep medicine
• Autonomic disorders
• Brain injury medicine
• Neuropsychiatry
• Epilepsy
• Neurointensive care

A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system is called a neurologist. Symptoms that often require a neurologist help may include coordination problems, muscle weakness, confusion, dizziness, and a change in sensation. People who are having problems with their senses, such as vision, touch, or smell, may also require to see a neurologist since problems with senses are sometimes caused by disorders of the nervous system.

A neurologist may also treat patients with:

• Stroke
• Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• Migraines and headaches
• Brain aneurysms
• Brain tumors
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Infections of the nervous systems, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscesses
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
• Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Sleep disorders
• Spinal cord disorders, such as autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
• Speech and language disorders

Keep in mind that neurologist does not perform surgery. If you need surgery, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon.

What does Neurology Involve?

A wide variety of different tests and procedures are used to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. On your first appointment with a neurologist, a physical and neurological exam is likely to be performed. A neurological exam is done to test muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes.

Because different diseases can have similar symptoms, more than one testing may be required for your neurologist to make a diagnosis.

Some of the procedures that fall into the field of neurology may include:

Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG) is used to measure how well your muscles react to electrical stimulation from motor neurons, which are specific nerves controlling muscle movement. It can help neurologists diagnose general muscle or nerve dysfunction, as well as spinal cord disease.

During an EMG, small needles called electrodes are inserted into the muscle by a specially trained technician. The electrodes can measure the different electrical activity occurring in muscle tissue during periods of movement and rest.

Electroencephalogram

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is performed to assess and record electrical activity in your brain. Neurons in our brain communicate with other neurons through electrical impulses, which an EEG can record. Brain wave patterns can also be tracked by an EEG. It is used to help diagnose conditions of the brain, including tumors, inflammation, injuries, as well as psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, and seizures.

During an EEG, electrodes are placed on your head. The electrodes are connected to a computer, which converts electrical signals into patterns that can be seen from a screen or printed on a piece of paper.

Lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture is done to test your spinal fluid. It involves inserting a needle into your spine after numbing it with an anesthetic. Using the needle, a sample of your spinal fluid is taken.

A lumbar puncture can help diagnose the following conditions:

• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Leukemia
• Myelitis
• Dementia
• Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Bleeding in the brain

The procedure can also be used to treat conditions affecting the spinal cord. Your neurologist may inject anesthetics, cancer treatments, or antibiotics using a lumbar puncture needle.

Tensilon test

To help diagnose myasthenia gravis, your neurologist may perform a tensilon test. It involves the injection of a medicine called Tensilon. Then, your neurologist observes how medicine affects your muscle movements.

Sleep study

Chronic sleep problems are diagnosed in a Sleep Study. Also known as a Polysomnogram (PSG), this procedure involves monitoring patients during sleep and physiological data is recorded electronically.

Other tests

Other types of tests may be used by your neurologist to make a diagnosis. These may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)
• Computed tomography (CT scan)
• Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
• Biopsy
• Genetic testing
• Angiography

Botox injections

Botox injections can be done to treat some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, that can cause your limbs to pull in toward your center. Sometimes, these contracted muscles can be relaxed with Botox injections.

Botox injections involve injecting tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin of muscles using a thin needle.

Brain tumor treatment

A range of treatments can be done to treat a brain tumor. If your neurologist believes that you need surgery, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon who will remove as much of the brain tumor as possible through surgery.

A brain tumor may also be treated with radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill tumor cells.

Brain tumor treatment may be integrated between the departments of neurology and oncology.

Brain rehabilitation therapy

Brain rehabilitation therapy is used to help you relearn functions that are lost as a result of a brain injury. Brain rehabilitation therapy is usually integrated between specialty teams in the departments of neurology, sports medicine, psychiatry and psychology, neuroradiology, and the vestibular/balance laboratory.

Deep brain stimulation

During deep brain stimulation, electrodes are implanted within certain areas of the brain. The electrodes generate electrical impulses that can regulate abnormal impulses. These electrical impulses may also affect certain chemicals and cells within the brain.

Deep brain stimulation can be done to treat numerous conditions, including dystonia, essential tremor, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. It is also being studied as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and stroke recovery.

Spinal stenosis treatment

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves, leading to back and leg pain. Spinal stenosis may be treated with pain medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, decompression procedure, or surgery. Surgery is usually performed if other treatments have not helped.

How Long Should I Stay in Mexico?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you have, you may be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day or you will stay for several days. For diagnostic procedures, you should be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day. However, you should wait until the results of the test are ready before you can fly home, which may take as long as 7 days, sometimes even longer. If you undergo brain tumor treatments or other types of treatment, especially treatments that involve surgical intervention, you should aim to stay in Mexico at least for 10 days.

What's the Recovery Time?

The recovery time can be different for each procedure. It may also depend on the reason why you are having the procedure and your overall health. Your neurologist and neurosurgeon will give you a recovery timeline for each procedure. The recovery period for diagnostic procedures is typically short and you may be able to resume your normal activities within a week or so. For surgical procedures, you may need to wait 4 weeks or months until you can go back to your daily routine, including work and exercise.

What About Aftercare?

A detailed aftercare instruction will be given to you following your procedure. While the instructions will be different for each procedure, they typically include a diet plan, exercise, restrictions, and wound care (if any surgical intervention is involved). You should follow these instructions carefully in order to have a speedy and smooth recovery.

You may also need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your overall condition and healing. For brain tumors, you may need to attend regular checkups to ensure the tumor has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of neurology is constantly advancing. The success rate of each procedure is typically high, particularly when performed by highly skilled and experienced medical professionals. Still, some procedures may carry some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and nerve injury.

Are there Alternatives to Neurology?

Since neurology is the branch of medicine to diagnose and treat problems of the nervous system, there are no other alternatives. However, if your doctor found that your disease or illness is found to be caused by other problems unrelated to the nervous system, your doctor will recommend you to see the relevant doctor.

Neurology in and around Mexico

About Mexico

The Country of Mexico forms a part of the North American continent and lies directly south of the United States and is the fifth largest country in the Americas. It comprises 31 states and a Federal District. The capital of Mexico City lies in the Federal District. Mexico is dominated by several mountain ranges and the more well-known ones are the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. It is famous for its amazing beaches, and the best-known Latin American pyramids include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacán in central Mexico,

Mexico ranks among the top five locales for medical tourism worldwide, consistently attracting those seeking not only medical care but luxurious, boutique-styled facilities for recovery as well. The distinct appeal to choosing Mexico as a destination for medical procedures is not solely based on the accommodation standards, but also the notably lower costs contrasted with those in the United States. With a price tag that usually amounts to 70-80% less than what you'd expect to pay in the US for the same procedure, it's no wonder why Mexico is such an attractive option for medical tourists.

In terms of the economic value, medical tourism in Mexico has proven to be no small industry. According to the data gathered in 2016, the industry is worth a whopping $4.8 Billion. Moreover, it is not an underused resource, as can be seen in the influx of medical tourists that the country welcomes each year. An astonishing 1 million individuals travel to Mexico annually, seeking different varieties of treatments and procedures.

Geographically, it's noted that the majority of these medical tourists hail from nearby US states. In fact, states that border Mexico, such as California, Texas, and Arizona, make up approximately 70% of the medical tourists that arrive in Mexico.

Tijuana, Cancun, Mexicali, and Monterrey are some of the more popular cities in Mexico for medical tourism and the flowing procedures:

• Dental treatments including dental surgery
• Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• Other medical procedures like dermatology, orthopedics, gynecology, and ophthalmology.

Popular Parts of Mexico

Six Cities in Mexico that should be on your itinerary:

1. Mexico City – This enormous capital city is the most populous city on the North American continent. The metropolitan area of the city is home to a staggering 21.2 million people. El Zocalo, the main public square is a famous landmark in Mexico City. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Cancun –Is a major resort city with turquoise blue waters and striking white sandy beaches. It has a population of about 628,000 people. You can take day trips to the Mayan ruins, the unspoiled jungle habitats of Coba, and Chichen Itza from Cancun.
3. San Miguel de Allende –Is one of the most popular cities in Mexico. The must-visit sites in this city are the San Miguel Arcangel Parish, the archaeological zone of Canada la Virgen, and the handicraft market.
4. Guadalajara – It’s the second largest city in Mexico and has a population of 5.1 million. The city has a more relaxed feel and a distinctly Mexican flavor. The historic center is impressive with a cathedral and colonial architecture. Guadalajara Cathedral, Instituto Cultural de Cabanas, and the Expiatory Temple are famous sights to visit.
5. Oaxaca – Is a southern Mexican city and is situated in a valley. It is home to 4.2 million inhabitants. Oaxaca Cathedral, Zocalo and Mercado Benito Juarez, and The Rufino Tamayo Museum are a few of the interesting places to see in this city.
6. Tijuana – Is a border city in Mexico and shares its border with California. Because of its location, this city is very popular with American medical tourists. The Avenida Revolucion is the main street and is lined with Bars and Restaurants. Popular landmarks include Jai Alai Fronton Palace, Centro Cultural Tijuana, and Estadio Caliente. It has a population of 1.3 million people.

Other important cities are Merida, Acapulco, Puebla City, Taxco Puerto Vallarto, and Playa del Carmen.

Weather and Climate in Mexico

Mexico, in its vastness, doesn't possess a uniform climate throughout the nation. Various regions exhibit distinct weather patterns, which are inextricably linked to their geographical features. Given Mexico's immense size, it's unsurprising that the climate varies significantly across different locations. The periodic patterns across the nation are not homogenous, as one would expect in a smaller, less diverse country. Instead, Mexico’s topography, which is incredibly varied, heavily influences the country’s diverse weather and climate.

In terms of seasonality, Mexico traditionally experiences two major seasons - the rainy season and the dry season. Each of these seasons presents its own unique set of conditions and weather patterns, shaping the climate across the country in distinctive ways. The shifts between these periods of rain and periods of drought are quite pronounced, showcasing the climatic dualism that shapes the Mexican landscape. This cyclical pattern of rainy and dry seasons is a key part of Mexico's climatic identity, having profound effects on both its environment and the livelihood of its inhabitants.

• Rainy Season – Most of Mexico experiences rain from May to September or October. The weather is hot and humid in these months, especially in Southern Mexico. The average temperature in the summer months is around 83 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, the temperature averages between 68- and 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Dry Season – October to May there is hardly any rain and it happens to be the most popular time to visit Mexico. During the winter months of December to February, the non-coastal regions have cold weather. At times, it reaches freezing temperatures. June to November is the hurricane season and hence it is better to avoid traveling during this time.

Getting Around in Mexico

The easiest way to reach Mexico is through Mexico City International Airport, which is also referred to as Benito Juarez International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Mexico. The airport links 52 domestic cities and 50 international destinations in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia. Aeromexico is the largest carrier serving many Latin American cities, domestic and international cities. Other prominent Mexican airlines are Interjet, Volaris, and Aeromar. Major American carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air also operate flights to Mexico City.

For travel within Mexico, air travel is the best mode considering the vast size of the country. Budget airlines like Avolar, Azteca, Interjet, vivaAerobus, and Volaris offer competitive and cheap airfares for domestic travel.

You can navigate between cities via local buses and rental cars, making the journey a part of your Mexican adventure. However, for a quicker commute, the metro system prevails as the fastest mode of transport. This web of fast trains bridges the gap between major cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, ensuring convenient and expedient transportation.

Navigating through Mexico City is fairly simple and cost-effective, courtesy of its inexpensive public transport system. You can choose from a variety of transport modes, including the Metro, first and second-class buses, colectivos, and Nissan Tsuru libre taxis.

However, if you prefer sitio taxis, it is advised not to hail one from the street after dark for safety reasons. Furthermore, for those not fluent in Spanish or unfamiliar with the city's layout, it is highly recommended to use taxis from Taxi Ranks, ensuring a smoother and more secure journey.

Tourist Visas in Mexico

Traveling to Mexico as a tourist, you need to apply for and get a tourist visa well in advance. Your passport must be valid to cover at least three months beyond the duration of your visa. A Mexican tourist visa is for a single entry and is valid for only six months. You should travel within 90 days of the visa being issued.

Mexico has a waiver for the tourist visa requirement for the citizens of 67 countries including the USA, European Union, Latin America, and Australia. Under this privilege, you can visit Mexico for a period of 30 to 180 days without a tourist visa. However, you need to get an online Electronic Authorization before traveling to Mexico.

Nationals of Russia, India China and a few other countries need to get a visa in advance before entering Mexico.

Additional Information

1. The currency of Mexico is Peso and has a $ symbol like the US Dollar. So, MXN is an alternative symbol to avoid confusion. Shopkeepers accept US dollars but refuse Euros. The conversion rate of a US dollar to Mexican Peso is 17.97 as of Mexico 2023.
2. You can use debit and credit cards within city limits in Mexico, but many retailers levy a surcharge for credit cards. Small shopkeepers insist on cash. ATMs are present everywhere and have bilingual options with English as a choice.
3. Spanish is the first and the main language spoken in Mexico. People also speak English in tourist areas and along the Northern border. However, it is always better to learn a little Spanish when you travel to Mexico.
4. Mexico does not have a national religion, but Roman Catholicism is a major faith.
5. Constitution Day (Feb 4), Benito Juarez’s Birthday (Mar 18), Independence Day (Sep 16), Revolution Day (Nov 18), and Christmas (Dec 25) are some of the statutory public holidays in Mexico.