Neurophobia in Brazil: Detecting and Preventing a Global Issue

ABSTRACT Neurophobia is a global issue known as a fear of Neurology and Neurosciences by medical students and physicians, and it may contribute to a reduced number of trained neurologists and a global misunderstanding of neurological diseases among physicians. To date, there are no studies that address the issue of Neurophobia in Brazil. The present study aimed to evaluate the perception of Neurology and Neurosciences among Brazilian medical students. Students from four medical schools in the state of Pará, in the second (pre-clinical phase), fourth (clinical phase) and sixth (internship) years of the course, were submitted to a self-administered and written questionnaire divided into two sections: the first section included questions assessing their perceived level of interest, level of knowledge, degree of difficulty, confidence in examining patients, quality of teaching in medical school and likelihood of pursuing the career, concerning different clinical specialties (Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Neurology, Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology). In the second section, there were questions about possible reasons why Neurology was perceived as a difficult subject and possible ways to improve neurological education. A total of 486 questionnaires were completed. Neurology was perceived as the most difficult clinical specialty (mean score 4.00; p