Book Review27 March 2026
Neurosciences is a peer-reviewed, open access journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in clinical and translational neuroscience. Since its establishment in 1996 at Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), the journal has served as a specialized platform for the dissemination of high-quality research in neurology and the broader neurosciences across the Kingdom, the Arab region, and the international scientific community.
The journal publishes original research, reviews, and scholarly contributions addressing disorders of the nervous system and related fields, including neurology, neurophysiology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, neurorehabilitation, neurooncology, neuropsychiatry, and neurogenetics. Basic science research with clear clinical implications is also welcomed, reflecting the journal’s commitment to bridging laboratory discoveries with patient care.
Published quarterly, Neurosciences upholds rigorous editorial standards and operates a structured peer review process to ensure scientific integrity, methodological soundness, and clinical relevance. The journal is committed to ethical publishing practices and adheres to internationally recognized guidelines to maintain transparency, accountability, and trust in the scholarly record.
Current Issue
Volume 31, Issue 1 (2026)View issue
Current Articles
Most Popular Articles
- Original Study27 March 2026
Impact of Burnout and Sleep Deprivation on the Clinical Performance of Neurology Residents: A Cross-Sectional Country Wide Study
Objective: To assess burnout (BU) and sleep deprivation (SD) among neurology residents and their impact on clinical performance (CP). This study is based on a neurology residents from Saudi Arabia. Methods: This multi-centric, cross-sectional study invited 214 registered neurology residents in the country; 179 participated in the study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Medical Council of Canada’s Physicians’ Self-Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) were used to evaluate burnout (BU) and sleep deprivation (SD) among neurology residents and their impact on clinical performance (CP). Results: Of the total 214 registered neurology residents, 179 participated in the study. About 50% reported irregularity in daily meals, while >50% failed to exercise due to time constraints. More than 80% of residents had moderate-to-high levels of emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalisation (DP), and 90% had low personal accomplishment (PA). The global PSQI score of 9.3 resulted from mediocre sleep quality, poor sleep duration, high sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. Moreover, 83.2% of residents complained of SD and opined that it affects their mental capability at work. Regarding residents’ CP, 49.44% were high performers, while the proportion of low performers was marginally higher at 50.56%. The rampant prevalence of moderate-to-high EE and DP and poor PSQI scores had a significantly negative correlation with residents’ CP (p= 0.0168, 0.0011 and 0.0441, respectively), CP correlated positively with PA levels (p=0.0045). Conclusion: Moderate to high levels of BU prevail among neurology residents in Saudi Arabia. A high number of neurology residents suffer from sleep disturbances. Both BU and SD exert a detrimental impact on neurology residents’ CP, which adversely affects the quality of neurological care delivered by the burned-out and sleep-deprived residents. - Original Study27 March 2026
Predictors of Long-Term Outcome and Recurrence of Intramedullary Spinal Ependymomas: A multicenter study
Objectives: To define prognostic factors that affect clinical outcome of patients after surgical resection of spinal intramedullary ependymoma. Methods: A retrospective multi-center study, including all cases operated on from 2007 through 2024 at 3 institutes. Data on surgical factors included: resection extent, intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring methods, and intraoperative/postoperative complications. Results: A total of 19 patients were included with a mean age of 37.8 years (SD = 13.2, range 8–57 years). The majority of ependymomas (n = 14, 73.7%) were in the cervical region. The most common presenting symptoms included pain in 14 patients (73.7%), sensory deficits in 11 patients (57.8%), and motor deficits 10 patients (52.6%). As per preoperative McCormick grading, 31.6%, 10.5%, and 31.6% were grade I, II, and III, respectively. Postoperatively, 57.9% of patients improved to McCormick grade I. Total gross tumor resection was achieved in 15 participants (78.9%). Syndromes, specifically neurofibromatosis type II, were significantly associated with a chance of recurrence (p = 0.004) and the need for a second surgery (p = 0.018). Conclusion: The preoperative neurological status correlates significantly with the postoperative outcome of the patient. - Original Study27 March 2026
Identifying Risk Factors for the Rising Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: A case-control analysis
Objective: This study aims to identify risk factors linked to the increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Saudi Arabia. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system, marked by inflammation and damage to nerves and the myelin sheath. Method: A case-control study conducted from September 2022 to January 2024 included 832 participants—263 diagnosed with MS and 569 controls. Controls were matched by age, gender, residence, and employment status. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire, with written consent obtained from participants aged 18 and older. Logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain risk factors. Results: Out of 832 participants, 263 (31.6%) were diagnosed with MS. The greatest percentage of MS cases occurred in the 25–34 age range (37.7%). After adjusting for potential confounders, smoking was significantly associated with increased MS risk (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: [1.22–4.48], p = 0.01), as were vitamin D deficiency (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: [1.31–2.98], pp = 0.02). Conversely, vitamin D supplementation was associated with a substantial reduction in MS risk (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: [0.10–0.28], p < 0.001), as was coffee consumption (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: [0.30–0.96], p < 0.04). Conclusion: Smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and a history of childhood sexual abuse increase MS risk, while vitamin D supplementation and coffee consumption reduce it. Further research is essential to confirm these findings. - Original Study27 March 2026
Key Attributes of an Ideal Neurology Residency Candidate: Program Directors’ Perspectives
Objectives: To guide medical students and interns interested in neurology by identifying the key attributes of an ideal neurology candidate from the perspectives of neurology program directors (PDs). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, former and current neurology PDs were contacted across Saudi Arabia to complete a self-administered survey sent via email or text. The survey included seven questions: six on PD demographics and a seventh with 51 items evaluating candidate attributes on a 7-point Likert scale from disadvantage to advantage. Results: Thirty-two neurology PDs filled out the questionnaire. Among the key attributes PDs prioritized in a candidate is their letter of recommendation, preferably from a neurologist working at the same center where the candidate applied (mean = 2.44 ± 1.01); this was followed by the teamwork traits demonstrated by the candidate during their interview (mean = 2.34 ± 1.00) and, finally, clerkships completed as an intern in neurology at the same hospital where the candidate applied (mean = 2.28 ± 1.11). A significant regional difference was found regarding candidates who undertook international medical licensing examinations, which was observed as a disadvantage in the central region but as an advantage in the eastern and western regions (p = 0.002) of Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The PDs prioritized candidates’ skills, educational background, and genuine interest in neurology. Regional differences in the importance of international licensing exams reflect varied expectations. Future global studies could help refine and unify selection criteria for a fairer process. - Original Study27 March 2026
Efficacy of Erenumab in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Chronic Migraine and Medication Overuse Headache
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of erenumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, in patients with treatment-resistant chronic migraine and medication overuse headache. Methods: A single-center, retrospective observational study conducted at University Medical Center on 73 patients with both medication-overuse headache and treatment-resistant chronic migraine who failed at least three oral preventive medications and/or botulinum toxin injections. Clinical data were extracted from the medical records and patient interviews. The patients received monthly erenumab injections 70 mg. Key outcomes included monthly migraine days, headache severity (visual analog scale [VAS]), headache impact test (HIT-6), acute medication use, and global impression of change (PGIC) over a 3-month follow-up period. Results: Significant reductions were observed in monthly migraine days (mean: 12.3 days, p<0.001), HIT-6 scores (mean: 21 points, P <0.001), headache severity (VAS score reduction: 6.1, P <0.001), and acute medication use (mean: 14.8 days, P <0.001). Most patients reported a ``very good'' or ``good'' improvement with minimal side effects. Conclusion: Erenumab demonstrated substantial efficacy and safety in reducing the frequency and severity of chronic migraine with medication overuse, improving the quality of life, and decreasing acute medications use. These findings support its role as a valuable therapeutic option for this challenging condition. - Original Study27 March 2026
The Incidence Rate of Post-Stroke Epilepsy: A Multi-Center, Retrospective Study in Taif City
Background: The International League Against Epilepsy in 2014, defined epilepsy in any patient who has experienced one unprovoked seizure and has a probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk (at least 60%) after 2 unprovoked seizures occurring over the next 10 years. Epilepsy patients are classified into 2 groups: early post-stroke seizures (EPSS), including patients who experience a seizure within 1 week of stroke onset, and late PSS (LPSS), including those who have a seizure more than 1 week after the stroke. Methods: This retrospective, record-based study was conducted between January 2021 and December 2024. A total of 486 stroke patients were screened. After excluding 241 patients with prior brain tumors, surgeries, or stroke events, 245 patients were included. Data were collected using a structured checklist covering demographic characteristics, seizure risk factors, stroke type and mechanism, seizure type, and timing of PSE diagnosis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations between risk factors and PSE development. Results: Of the 245 patients, 17 (6.9%) developed PSE. Among them, 41.2% were classified as having EPSS and 58.8% as having LPSE. Most PSE patients were men and married. Most seizures were of an unknown type. A statistically significant association was found between the mechanism of stroke and the development of PSE (p = 0.021), particularly cardioembolic and atherosclerotic (thrombotic) stroke. Other variables including age, sex, ICU admission, and comorbidities did not show statistically significant associations. Conclusion: The incidence of PSS in this study was 6.9%. LPSS was more common than EPSS. The development of PSE was significantly associated with stroke mechanisms, particularly cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke, whereas other risk factors showed no significant relationship.