Neuropathology and clinical practice in mental handicap

Neuropathological examination of post-mortem material in cases of mental handicap may give valuable clues to aetiology, natural history and the effects of long-term medication. The dating of neuropathological changes may have implications for treatment and parental counselling. A coordinated procedure to obtain such information in a routine manner is recommended. Feedback to nursing and medical staff underlines the importance of this work. Such a procedure has been instituted in Ely Hospital and the results from the first 12-month period are reported.