Journal Of Clinical NeurophysiologyEdit
The Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology (JCN) is a peer‑reviewed medical journal dedicated to the practice and science of clinical neurophysiology. Published on behalf of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (American Clinical Neurophysiology Society), it serves as a primary venue for reporting advances in diagnostic testing, interpretation, and application of neurophysiological techniques in patient care. The journal covers a broad range of modalities—most notably electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies—as well as evoked potentials, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, and tests of autonomic function. By combining clinical reports, reviews, and guideline‑driven research, JCN aims to support clinicians, researchers, and educators in delivering accurate diagnoses and informed treatment decisions.
Although focused on clinical practice, the journal also engages with methodological and organizational questions that shape how neurophysiology is performed in real‑world settings. It routinely publishes guidance on standardization, quality control, and interpretation, alongside original research that pushes the boundaries of what neurophysiological data can reveal about brain and nervous system function. In this respect, JCN sits at the intersection of bedside medicine and translational science, translating laboratory findings into practical tools for patient management. The content is of particular interest to specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, and related fields, as well as trainees seeking a solid grounding in the discipline.
Scope and content
- electroencephalography and continuous EEG monitoring, including interpretation in epilepsy and coma
- electromyography and nerve conduction studies for peripheral nerve and neuromuscular disorders
- evoked potentials (sensory and cognitive), including brainstem, trigeminal, and multimodal paradigms
- intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during neurosurgical procedures
- autonomic testing and neurophysiological assessment of autonomic function
- Diagnostic neurophysiology for sleep medicine, movement disorders, and neuromuscular diseases
- Standards, guidelines, and consensus statements to promote consistency in practice (for example, practice parameters and guideline updates)
- Education, training, and methodological papers that help clinicians implement robust testing
- Technology and instrumentation developments, including signal processing, artifact management, and data interpretation
Publication model and governance
The journal operates within a framework that emphasizes rigorous peer review, clinical relevance, and methodological soundness. It publishes a mix of original research, reviews, case reports, technical notes, and position papers that help standardize practice across institutions. The articles often explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of neurophysiological tests, as well as the cost‑effectiveness and practical considerations of implementing certain procedures in busy clinical settings. In addition to traditional print‑style articles, JCN has embraced digital formats that facilitate rapid dissemination of clinically important findings, including online updates to guidelines and supplementary materials for readers who need accessible, actionable information.
History and development
Clinical neurophysiology has evolved from a set of bedside techniques into a sophisticated, data‑driven field. The Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology emerged as a key platform for consolidating clinical methods and translating neuroscientific insights into patient care. Over the years, it has chronicled shifts in practice patterns, from refinements in EEG interpretation and epileptiform‑pattern recognition to advances in intraoperative monitoring and multimodal neurophysiological assessment. The journal also reflects the collaboration between neurologists, neurosurgeons, technologists, and researchers, highlighting how multidisciplinary teams improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
Controversies and debates
Within clinical neurophysiology, debates tend to center on clinical and logistical questions rather than ideological ones. For example, there is ongoing discussion about the indications for continuous EEG monitoring in different hospital settings, weighing the benefits of early seizure detection against resource utilization. Similarly, the field debates the standardization of interpretation criteria across laboratories, balancing the need for universal guidelines with the realities of patient heterogeneity and equipment variability. In intraoperative monitoring, practitioners discuss the thresholds for intervention, the relative value of different monitoring modalities for specific procedures, and the cost‑effectiveness of routine use in various surgical contexts. These debates are typically framed around improving patient safety and diagnostic reliability, with consensus often evolving as technology and experience accumulate.
Training, education, and global reach
As a central reference in clinical neurophysiology, JCN supports training programs and continuing education for clinicians and technologists. Articles on education and hands‑on methodology help standardize the skills required for accurate data acquisition, interpretation, and patient communication. The journal’s reach extends globally through collaborations with international professional organizations, enabling practitioners around the world to align their practices with evidence‑based standards and to contribute their experience to the broader community.