Unveiling the Brain's Mysteries for Half a Century
Explore the ResearchImagine a publication that has chronicled every major Canadian neurological breakthrough of the past five decades—from pioneering deep brain stimulation techniques to groundbreaking discoveries about Alzheimer's disease.
The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences (CJNS) stands as exactly such a record: an intellectual treasure trove where scientific discovery meets clinical practice. Since its inception in 1974, the CJNS has served as both mirror and catalyst for Canada's remarkable contributions to understanding the human nervous system. This article delves into the journal's rich history, explores its groundbreaking research, and examines how it continues to shape both scientific discourse and patient care across Canada and beyond 7 .
As neuroscience continues to be one of medicine's most rapidly evolving fields—with stunning advances in neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and our understanding of brain plasticity—the CJNS provides an essential platform for Canadian researchers to share their work with the global community. From the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside, this journal tells the story of how Canadian science is tackling some of humanity's most devastating neurological conditions 7 .
The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences had humble beginnings, founded in 1974 by Dr. Robert T. Ross of Winnipeg just two years after the inaugural Canadian Congress of Neurological Sciences in Banff, Alberta. Dr. Ross envisioned a forum to showcase the world-class work being done by Canadian neuroscientists and clinicians. In 1981, the journal formally became the official publication of the member societies of the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation (CNSF), cementing its role as the preeminent voice of Canadian neuroscience 7 .
Today, the CJNS continues to encourage publication across all branches of the neurosciences under the leadership of Dr. Tejas Sankar, who in 2024 became the first neurosurgeon to serve as Editor-in-Chief. The journal's policy remains rooted in the conviction that specialists working on the nervous system share common interests and have important ideas to communicate to each other—a philosophy that has guided its multidisciplinary approach for decades 7 .
Journal founded by Dr. Robert T. Ross
Became official publication of CNSF
Dr. Tejas Sankar becomes first neurosurgeon Editor-in-Chief
With a circulation of approximately 9,420 that includes CNSF society members, non-members, and institutions across Canada, the United States, and abroad, the CJNS has established itself as an internationally recognized medical journal that publishes peer-reviewed articles across all areas of the clinical neurosciences. The journal publishes six online issues per year, with individual articles added online immediately upon acceptance 7 .
Circulation Reach
Issues Per Year
Discount for CNSF Members
The CJNS is indexed in all major scientific databases including SCI (Clarivate), Scopus, Medline/PubMed, and Google Scholar, ensuring global visibility for published research. Authors may choose to publish their articles open access, with CNSF members receiving a 50% discount on article processing charges—a commitment to democratizing knowledge dissemination 7 .
The CJNS has consistently featured groundbreaking research on neurological conditions ranging from Alzheimer's disease to rare disorders like Pick's disease. One remarkable study highlighted new molecular drug targets for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), an incurable brain disorder marked by walking and balance difficulties that mimics Parkinson's disease and dementia 6 .
The journal has been at the forefront of documenting Canadian advances in neurotechnology, including a new surgical platform that assesses brain cancer mutations during surgery. This innovative approach, developed by researchers led by Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, informs critical decision-making about tumor treatment within minutes 6 .
As neuroscience advances, the CJNS has increasingly featured important discussions on neuroethical considerations, particularly as they relate to emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces and AI in healthcare. These discussions mirror global concerns about fairness, accessibility, and privacy in neuroscience advancement 1 .
One particularly impactful study published in the CJNS focused on improving diagnosis of rapidly progressive dementia (RPD)—conditions that can progress from initial symptoms to complete incapacitation requiring full-time care in less than two years. The research team, led by Dr. Gregg Day at Mayo Clinic, developed and validated new scoring criteria that could detect treatable forms of RPD during a patient's first clinical visit 6 .
The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of patients presenting with rapidly progressive cognitive decline. They developed a scoring system based on key clinical symptoms, exam findings, and results from brain MRI and spinal tap analyses. The system was designed to be implemented quickly during initial patient evaluation, with each component assigned a specific point value based on its predictive power for treatable causes 6 .
| Score Range | Sensitivity (%) | Specificity (%) | Positive Predictive Value (%) | Likelihood Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 points | 94.2 | 86.5 | 88.7 | 6.97 |
| 4-6 points | 88.9 | 92.1 | 91.3 | 11.27 |
| 7-10 points | 82.4 | 96.3 | 95.1 | 22.31 |
The research team found that their scoring criteria allowed for the detection of treatable forms of RPD with reasonably high confidence during a patient's first clinical visit. Notably, the study revealed that more than half of patients with rapidly progressive dementia had a treatable underlying condition 6 .
This research represents a significant advancement in neurology for several reasons. First, it addresses a critical time-sensitive diagnostic challenge—many conditions that cause rapidly progressive dementia can be treated and even reversed if identified early. Second, the scoring system provides clinicians with a practical, evidence-based tool that can be readily implemented in various clinical settings 6 .
Perhaps most importantly, the study highlights how intentional investigation of key clinical features combined with readily available diagnostic tests can substantially reduce the time to begin treatment. As Dr. Day noted, "We may be able to identify many of these patients early in the symptomatic course by intentionally searching for key clinical symptoms and exam findings and integrating these with results of a brain MRI and spinal tap" 6 .
Median days to treatment
Patients with improved outcomes
Modern neuroscience research relies on an array of sophisticated technologies and reagents that enable scientists to explore the brain's complexities.
| Tool/Technology | Function | Example Use in CJNS Research |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced MRI Sequences | High-resolution imaging of brain structure and function | Mapping invasive tumor margins in high-grade glioma |
| CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing | Precise genetic manipulation | Studying gene function in neurodegenerative diseases |
| Single-Cell RNA Sequencing | Characterization of individual cell types and states | Identifying novel neuronal subtypes |
| Brain Organoids | 3D cell cultures that model aspects of the human brain | Studying neurodevelopment and disease mechanisms |
| Neural Probes/Stentrode™ | Minimally invasive neural recording and stimulation | Restoring communication in paralysis 9 |
| Mass Cytometry | High-dimensional single-cell analysis of neural tissues | Immune profiling in neuroinflammatory disorders |
| Optogenetics | Precise control of neural activity with light | Circuit mapping and manipulation |
| Digital Twin Technology | Creating virtual replicas of patient brains for treatment simulation | Predicting progression of neurological conditions 1 |
The journal has featured research utilizing advanced MRI techniques like dynamic susceptibility contrast and diffusion tensor imaging to distinguish between genetic and molecular alterations of invasive brain tumors—an important advancement for clinically characterizing areas that are difficult to surgically biopsy 6 .
The CJNS has documented Canada's contributions to the development of minimally invasive neural interfaces like the Stentrode™, which is inserted through blood vessels rather than open brain surgery. This technology has allowed paralyzed patients to control computers with their thoughts, significantly improving quality of life 9 .
The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences has established itself as a significant player in the global neuroscience community. By providing a distinctive Canadian perspective while maintaining international standards of excellence, the journal bridges the gap between regional research and global discourse 7 .
The journal's content often reflects Canada's particular research strengths, including:
Canadian neuroscience traditionally integrates clinical and basic science approaches
Canada's universal healthcare system provides unique opportunities for studying neurological diseases
Canadian researchers have made substantial contributions to ethical discussions
Research on neurological health disparities for Indigenous communities
Looking forward, the CJNS is positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and impact. Under the leadership of Dr. Sankar, the journal is embracing innovative publication formats, including highlights, reviewer commentaries, and social media promotion to increase article reach and foster scholarly discussion. The average time to first decision has been reduced to less than 30 days in 2024, making it an increasingly attractive venue for cutting-edge research 7 .
Days to first decision
The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences represents far more than just an academic publication—it serves as a dynamic record of Canada's contributions to understanding and treating neurological disorders.
From its founding vision in 1974 to its current status as an internationally respected journal, the CJNS has consistently provided a platform for research that transforms patient care and advances scientific understanding 7 .
As neuroscience continues its rapid evolution—with developments in artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and personalized medicine—the CJNS will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in disseminating knowledge that improves lives. The journal embodies the essence of scientific progress: the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the commitment to rigorous methodology, and the ultimate goal of alleviating human suffering 1 6 .
For researchers, clinicians, and patients alike, the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences remains an essential window into the extraordinary world of brain science—a world where Canadian researchers continue to make transformative contributions that resonate around the globe. As the journal enters its next half-century, it carries forward Dr. Ross's original vision while embracing the exciting possibilities of neuroscience's future 7 .