Neurosciences

Open access, Peer-reviewed, Quarterly

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 3 (2026)View issue

Current Articles

Most Popular Articles

  • Journal Article
    1 January 2002

    Delayed traumatic epidural hematoma of the posterior fossa

    The prompt use of computerized tomography has significantly enhanced the early localization of traumatic posterior fossa hematoma of the brain. Consequently, timely surgical intervention has been possible before irreversible damage has set in. The result is an overall improvement in the survival of patients with this condition. The clinical presentations of 2 children who developed traumatic posterior fossa epidural hematoma after a fall and were successfully operated upon, are presented. Computerized tomography scan of the brain of the first child was carried out on the day of admission and did not show any hematoma. The emergency computerized tomography scan of the brain that was carried out on the 3rd day when the patient became unresponsive localized the left epidural hematoma. Even though the 2nd patient was brought for treatment a week after the fall, his level of consciousness was good, an indication of the greatest prognostic factor, which with timely initiation of surgical intervention ensured a good outcome.
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  • Original Study
    27 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.
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  • Review
    1 January 2002

    Clinical approach to children with suspected neurodegenerative disorders

    Inherited neurodegenerative disorders are common in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a result of the high rate of consanguinity. This is a complex field with a multitude of different disorders characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations, complex molecular biology, and a long list of potential investigations. As a result, this is often a confusing and difficult area for non-specialists, resulting in delays in reaching the diagnosis. Reaching a specific diagnosis is of clear importance for providing appropriate therapy, prognosis, and genetic counseling. This paper is intended to provide a simplified practical approach to guide residents and generalists in the initial diagnostic evaluation of children with suspected neurodegenerative disorders. Emphasis is placed on useful clinical signs, diagnostic tips, potential pitfalls, and recent advances in therapy.
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  • Review
    1 January 2013

    Systematic review of clinical trials of aripiprazole for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

    This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and safety of aripiprazole for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The databases of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched. All the controlled and non-controlled trials of aripiprazole for the treatment of ADHD were included. The latest search was conducted in March 2013. The quality of studies was assessed, and the efficacy and adverse effects were evaluated. Out of 34 relevant retrieved titles, only 2 articles reported randomized double blind controlled clinical trials. None of the controlled trials reported that aripiprazole was effective. However, a very high rate of adverse effects such as weight gain, sedation, and headache were reported. No well-controlled clinical trial was found. In contrary to non-controlled studies, the findings of controlled trials do not support the effectiveness of aripiprazole for treating ADHD. In addition, the high rate of adverse effects suggests that more controlled trials require to be conducted to reach a conclusion.
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  • Review
    1 January 2021

    The non-syndromic clinical spectrums of mtDNA 3243A>G mutation

    The m.3243A >G mutation in the tRNA Leu (UUR) gene (MT-TL1) of the mitochondrial DNA is the most widely seen pathogenic mtDNA mutation which has major phenotypic variations. The clinical phenotype involves various organs such as the brain and nerves, skeletal muscles, heart, endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Some phenotypes conform to well established syndromes, while most of the symptoms appear individually or concomitant to other syndromes, making identification difficult. Furthermore, some progress has been made on cardiac manifestations as well as complications during pregnancy and perinatal period. This article provides a systematic review of the non-syndromic phenotypes and latest developments in m.3243A>G mutation.
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  • Review
    1 January 2023

    The consequences of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance

    Although not fully understood, sleep is accepted as a vital and organized sequence of events that follows a regular cyclic program each night to ensure the human body can perform at its optimum. A lack of sleep, or sleep deprivation (SD), is a widespread phenomenon that can induce adverse changes in cognitive performance. This review focused on the biological explanation as well as the research investigating the numerous effects that SD can have on cognition. A reduction in sleep does not occur independently of the effects on memory, attention, alertness, judgment, decision-making, and overall cognitive abilities in the brain, resulting in decreased function and impaired cognitive performance.
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