Neuropathology

Neuropathology is the study of disease of nervous system tissue, usually in the form of either small surgical biopsies or whole-body autopsies.

Neuropathology should not be confused with neuropathy, which refers to disorders of the nerves themselves (usually in the peripheral nervous system) rather than the tissues.

The work of the neuropathologist consists largely of examining autopsy or biopsy tissue from the brain and spinal cord to aid in diagnosis of disease.

[1] In addition to brain and spinal cord, tissues of the eyes, nerves, muscles, and tumors are examined.

Tissue samples are researched within the lab for diagnosis, and in forensic investigations to clarify the cause of death.

The ultimate goal of neuropathologists is to find the medical issue and then formulate a timeline in which to cure the patient's tissue.

A physician who specializes in neuropathology, usually by completing a fellowship after a residency in anatomical or general pathology, is called a neuropathologist.

A postgraduate qualification in neuropathology is obtained through training and an examination overseen by the Royal College of Pathologists UK.

There are also Membership Directories available for many of the neuropathology societies that exist in other specific countries and/or regions of the world (British, European, Canadian...

A European Board Examination in Neuropathology which emphasizes the importance of proper training in the neurosciences is currently being established (www.euro-cns.org).