Neurology is huge. It consists of diverse subspecialties, each covering several distinct diseases. Neurology is also a rapidly advancing field with cutting-edge diagnostic processes and novel therapeutic approaches. Neurological practice, therefore, depends on reliable and up-to-date resources.

 

I have previously posted on the proven all-time outstanding neurology textbooks. These are all very useful, but as we all struggle keep up with the rapidly evolving progress in neurology, these resources become obsolete very quickly, and updates often go through laborious and slow processes. Neurologists therefore need reliable sources that keep up with new knowledge, and make sense of all the information ‘out there’. What are these dependable neurology reference sites?  Here is a selection.

Neurology-specific reference sites

1. The NINDS Disorder Index is a library of all neurological disorders listed alphabetically. All sections have information on current research, and provide links to involved organisations. It is an extensive resource, but you would expect this from the world-renown National Association of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
2. MedLink Neurology is an extensive resource for a wide variety of neurological diseases. Content requires paid registration. Articles cite references linked to PubMed and indicate the date they were last updated.

General medical sites with neurology sections

1. Uptodate has a neurology section with a good search function but needs a subscription. It is text intensive.
2. Medscape has a very good and extensive neurology section listed alphabetically, and it is free!
3. BMJ Best Practice also lists neurology topics alphabetically but requires access
4. BMJ Neurology resources page has a few important neurology links
5. The Cochrane Library is searchable using neurology as search terms; as far as I can see, most if not all, contents are free
6. Scholarpedia appears to be a growing site with a helpful neuroscience section worth keeping an eye on.
7. Medline is the go-to resource for current articles on everything medical. It is however difficult to confirm which articles are relevant or reliable
8. Trip Database is another huge searchable resource including neurology

Specialty-specific neurology reference sites

1. The Neuromuscular Disease Centre of Washington University has a detailed database of neuromuscular diseases
2. Brain Infections UK is a useful site for updates on neurological infections but has a research-focus
3. Radiopaedia is, as expected, an image-intensive site. It is useful because neurologists need to keep on top of the subtle neuro-radiological features of the diseases they treat. And its free.
4. PsychCentral is a useful resource for mental health diseases, but you should go straight to the resources directory.

Neurology Guidelines resources

1. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) guidelines is a reliable site for guidelines covering the broad range of neurology
2. NICE guidelines are the authoritative benchmark for medical practice in the UK and there is extensive coverage of the major neurological conditions
3. SIGN guidelines are the equivalent of the NICE guidelines in Scotland
4. Guidelines Central has an extensive library of guidelines and this link is to neurology section

 

Neurochecklists

For the future, I believe Neurochecklists is the way to go. Check it out and leave some feedback:

Looking for more? The Queen Square Library resources page of University College London (UCL) Queen Square Library has several helpful links.