The Scope of Neuroepidemiology: from Stone Age to Stockholm

Abstract

Despite the fact that neuroepidemiology is relatively new, contributions to clinical neurology have already been many. This paper reviews the terminology and methods utilized in descriptive studies and emphasizes the application of research results to problems of patient management, treatment, and disease prevention. The clinical neurologist is the key provider of neuroepidemiologic data and is likewise the prime beneficiary of the findings of neuroepidemiologic studies.

Hypothesis Testing in Neuroepidemiology: Experiments of Nature and Experiments of Man

“…On the basis of descriptive studies of the distribution of disease [ 1 ], it is often possible to formulate hypotheses relating to the etiology of disease. These hypotheses can be formally tested using the techniques of analytic epidemiology which is primarily concerned with the cause and control of disease.…”

“…In choosing a measurement, one must also take into account the accu racy and reproducibility of an observation [1]. Finally, one must consider the possibility of bias in any measurements or observations.…”

<i>Neuroepidemiology</i> Advances into the 21st Century

“…Neuroepidemiology was founded in 1982 by Bruce S. Schoenberg -then Head, Section on Epidemiology, National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., USA -with the purpose of providing an international forum for this 'relatively new specialty... with a commitment to excellence and a dedication to clinically relevant topics' [1]. During its first year, and despite its youth, the high scientific standard set by Dr. Schoenberg and the international editorial board for the new publication was recognized with an Award of Merit from the Society for Technical Communication.…”

“…As predicted by Schoenberg [1], progress in neuroepidemiology is being rewarded by 'the opportunity to practice preventive neurology. By identifying and eliminating risk factors for neurological disorders, it is actually possible to reduce or even prevent disease'.…”