An overview of neurological disorders in Wales

This pragmatic work was undertaken to assist commissioners of health services in Wales in their planning for future provision of services for neurological and neurosurgical patients. A literature search, which was carried out to ascertain the epidemiology of neurological and neurosurgical disorders in Wales, revealed limited epidemiological surveys of patients in Wales, while other literatures although outdated were still relevant. More recent national reports, published by professional bodies and patients' organisations, were also identified. These disorders were also grouped according to their aetiology and symptoms into 13 groups. Using all the available literature, total estimates of annual incidence and point prevalence of these disorders were arrived at. We can conclude that approximately 5.8% of the population in Wales are affected by neurological and neurosurgical disorders that include headaches, traumatic and infectious diseases of the nervous system.