[Status and perspectives in modern neurology. Problems of organization of neurologic services worldwide and in Croatia].

Modern neurology has completely changed in its concepts of science and medical discipline regarding the etiologies and the capabilities in the diagnostics, management, rehabilitation and prevention of neurological diseases. Advances in neurological sciences produced a rapid growth in the number of neurologists, new subspecialties and neurological institutions worldwide, opening questions on their possible application due to financial restrictions in many countries. Neurology in Croatia followed the modern tendencies in the world: in line with its humanistic tradition its orientation to the patient early appeared. From this experience developed a care on the optimal organization of neurological services, later on initiated in the Research Group on the Organization and Delivery of Neurological Services, founded in the World Federation of Neurology. The main activities and the Recommendations related to Neurology in Public Health are described, with the proposed levels of organization of neurological services, aiming at the optimal and rational neurological care. Problems of international collaboration on cost-effectiveness in neurology are accentuated.