Background: One of the main aims of the Cochrane Neurological Network (CNN) is to help the neurological Cochrane Review Groups (CRG) in their work and avoid duplication. This analysis describes andcompares the activities of these CRG.

Methods: Ten Cochrane Review Groups mainly focus on the neurological area: Back; Dementia & Cognitive Impairment; Injuries; Incontinence; Multiple Sclerosis; Neuromuscular; Epilepsy; Stroke; Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care (PaPaS); Movement Disorders. We have analysed the CRG modules with particularly attention to the following aspects: geographical location of the editorial base; composition and geographical distribution of the editorial team; number of protocols, reviews, titles and comments over time; number and types of hand-searched journals; number of RCT of specialised registers indexed in the CENTRAL database of the Cochrane Library; consumer involvement and diffusion activities.

Results: The ten neurological CRG have different organisations and output. The distribution of reviews by time of publication and the numbers of reviewers by geographical location show some degree of temporal and spatial discontinuity. Hand-searching activities showed the same handicap. Conclusion: We hope that the activity of the CNN will increase the number of reviewers and hand-searching staff besides supporting the continuity and efficiency of the CRG.