[The annual neurological conferences 1990-97--extensive scientific presentation for Norwegian neurologists]

324 free oral presentations were put forward during the Norwegian annual neurology conferences in 1990-1997. The lead authors of 216 presentations (67%) were employed at university hospitals; 108 authors were in employment at other hospitals or institutions. 159 lead authors (49%) were specializing in neurology and these candidates became increasingly active as presenters during the period in question. International collaboration occurred in 27 of the presentations (8%), nine of the presenters working with colleagues in the USA and seven with colleagues in Sweden. The presentations were classified as either mainly clinical, with 275 presentations (85%), or mainly basal science, with 31 presentations. In the remaining 18 presentations administrative or historic-literary topics were discussed. The disorders most frequently dealt with were epilepsy (88 presentations), cerebrovascular disorders (52 presentations), and autoimmune disorders (47 presentations). There was an increasing trend towards the latter two topics during the conference period. In conclusion, this survey shows neurology to be an expansive specialty with a focus on active development and research.