Minimizing financial toxicity of neurological care in low and middle income countries

Abstract

Neurological diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are increasingly associated with financial toxicity (FT), where the high costs of diagnosis and treatment create severe economic burdens for patients and their families. Unlike high-income countries (HICs), where publicly funded or insurance-based systems mitigate these costs, LMICs often lack such financial safety nets, leading to FT. As a result, only wealthier individuals can afford treatment, deepening health inequities. This paper discusses potential solutions to alleviate FT.