LAUSR

Marcello Moccia, Francesco Brigo, Gioacchino Tedeschi, Simona Bonavita, Luigi Lavorgna (Italy) DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-018-3339-9 Nowadays, the Internet is the major source to obtain information about diseases and their treatments. The Internet is gaining relevance in the neurological setting, considering the possibility of timely social interaction, contributing to general public awareness on otherwise less-well-known neurological conditions, promoting health equity and improving the healthrelated coping. Neurological patients can easily find several online opportunities for peer interactions and learning. On the other hand, neurologist can analyze user-generated data to better understand patient needs and to run epidemiological studies. Indeed, analyses of queries from Internet search engines on certain neurological diseases have shown a strict temporal and spatial correlation with the “real world”. In this narrative review, the AAwill discuss how the Internet is radically affecting the healthcare of people with neurological disorders and, most importantly, is shifting the paradigm of care from the hands of those who deliver care, into the hands of those who receive it. Besides, they will review possible limitations, such as safety concerns, financial issues, and the need for easy-to-access platforms.