"Neurophobia": More Nurture than Nature?

AIM: "Neurophobia" is the fear of neurology experienced by medical students. The aim of this study was to investigate if neurology now has a stigma attached to it causing a preconceived negative perception of neurology by students.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was distributed to medical students via social media and email. Questions focused on students' perceptions of neurology before and after exposure to the subject.

RESULTS

There were one hundred and thirty-seven responses. Twenty percent of preclinical students, twenty-six percent of early clinical students and fifty-six percent of clinical students said that they would not consider neurology as a speciality in the future. Neurophysiology and neuroanatomy were considered to be the most difficult aspects of neurology. Integration of preclinical academic training with clinical training was highlighted as a point of difficulty for students.

DISCUSSION: Contrary to our initial hypothesis, "neurophobia" does not appear to be innate in medical students but is acquired during the course of their medical training.