In this issue there is an emphasis on movement disorders, which is no bad thing in my book.We begin with a superb review article on the genetics of basal ganglia disorders by Patrick Chinnery and David Burn. This lays out in a clear fashion the genes underlying Parkinson’s disease and dystonia as well as discussing some of the more recently discovered conditions - including the neuroferritinopathy described first by this group. The authors go on to discuss the importance of recognising the different genetic disorders of the basal ganglia and suggest that it may be better to “think of the genetics of neurological systems, rather than clinical features or syndromes”.

The theme of genetic disorders of the basal ganglia is taken up in the management section, in which I discuss the approach to patients with chorea including Huntington’s disease. I hope this sets out in a useful and pragmatic fashion the many causes, and appropriate treatment, of chorea. It is by no means complete but I hope of some help. To highlight the way this field is moving forward there are a number of reviews in the journal section on chorea.

The second review article is on Korsakoff ’s syndrome. This rare complication of chronic alcohol abuse is much talked about but rarely seen, so we are very fortunate to have the contribution of Mike Kopelman and Mireia Pujol, world leaders on this topic. The article is written from experience and contains a wealth of insight. I am sure you will find this a great short review of this fascinating topic.

The rehabilitation article has taken as its theme the use of voice control as a means of operating a range of electronic devices. This is a fascinating and sophisticated area of support for patients with a range of disabilities, and is surely an area that will evolve rapidly in the years to come. Finally, Brian MacNamara, in his inimitable way, disentangles the confusion in all of our minds about that mysterious ailment: the tarsal tunnel syndrome.

As always, please get in touch if you have a suggestion for a topic ACNR should review. There are myriad facets of neuroscience we could look at. After all: "If the brain were so simple we could understand it, we would be so simple we couldn't" [Lyall Watson].

Roger Barker
AdvancesinCNR@aol.com