Advances in neurology are dramatically changing how we diagnose, treat, and understand disorders of the brain and nervous system. Innovations in imaging, genetic testing, electronic medical records, brain-computer interfaces, neuromodulation, and artificial intelligence, among others, raise important ethical questions about the way patient care and research are carried out. These developments challenge us to think carefully about patient autonomy, privacy, consent, and disparities in access.

This Research Topic seeks to explore the multifaceted ethical issues emerging from the integration of advanced technologies into the practice of clinical neurology. Key questions in Neuroethics will be addressed, including but not limited to: How do genetic testing and other predictive biomarkers affect patient choice and shared decision-making? What ethical issues arise when implementing brain-computer interfaces or AI into medical practice? How can disparities in access to advanced treatments be addressed, and how can inequities in the availability of neurological care be reduced? How should consent, communication, and treatment decisions be managed within the context of care for patients with neurodegenerative illnesses? How can patient experiences and perspectives be incorporated into patient visits?

We invite scholarly contributions from diverse fields, including bioethics, neurology, neuroscience, law, sociology, and philosophy, that critically examine pressing neuroethical issues. Submissions may take the form of original research and reviews, and might address themes such as:

- Privacy and consent in neurological research and practice.

- Neuroethical challenges of genetic testing and predictive modeling in neurology

- Equity and justice in the dissemination of advanced neurological therapies

- Ethical considerations in neuromodulation

- The philosophical and ethical dimensions of personhood, identity, and consciousness in neurology within the context of recent advances

- The integration of narrative and patient-centered ethics into clinical practice and research

- The societal and cultural ramifications of neurotechnological advancements

By assembling interdisciplinary perspectives, this Research Topic aims to illuminate the ethical dimensions of contemporary clinical neurology and foster a robust dialogue on how best to navigate its transformative challenges.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Neuroethics in the Age of Innovation: Ethical Challenges and Opportunities in Advanced Clinical Neurology

Topic Coordinator