Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of young neurologists towards the surgical interventions in movement disorders.

Background: Surgical management of patients with movement disorders is widely practiced in many countries. It’s a good therapeutic option in some indicated patients. The available surgical interventions either ablative surgery or deep brain stimulation (DBS), are not widely practiced in Egypt. Educational activities and training are important for neurologists to choose the suitable candidate and intervention.

Method: We designed a web-based survey, to assess the knowledge and attitude among young neurologists about the surgical management (stereotactic surgery and DBS) in patients with movement disorders. The survey included 7 questions on demography, 14 on knowledge and attitudes, and an open question about the reasons that make surgical management in movement disorders unpopular in clinical practice among neurologists. The questions were designed based on previous literatures and were revised by 2 movement disorders specialists. The survey was available online for 2 months. It was distributed by emails, and social media including Facebook targeting young neurologists all over Egypt.

Results: 380 neurologists completed the survey, age range was (24 to 40 years), females represented 66% of the participants. 30% reported the availability of surgical procedures in their centers. 47% were aware of their role as neurologist in surgical management, with only 13% had formal training in that field. 67% agreed that surgery is effective in indicated patients. 23% had already referred patients for surgery, with 53% perceived DBS to be superior to ablative surgery. 88% expressed their willing to attended educational courses and training. 93% would refer patients if the facilities of surgical interventions are available. The barriers to refer patients as mentioned by participants were the high cost, lack of expert personnel, with limited knowledge and access to training in the country.

Conclusion: The facilities for surgical interventions in movement disorders are available only in few neurological centers in Egypt. The knowledge about surgical intervention in movement disorders is still limited. Efforts are needed to provide effective training and to encourage young neurologists on referring indicated patients. The high cost and lack of expertise are the major barriers that should be considered.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/knowledge-and-attitudes-among-young-neurologists-towards-surgery-in-movement-disorders/