Submissions are limited to 2500 characters (about 500-550 words) without images, figures, or tables. The inclusion of ONE (1) image, figure, or table deducts 500 characters, limiting the submission text to 2000 characters (about 300-350 words). The character count includes the text plus any graphics, but not the title, authors, or institutions.
All graphics (figures, images) and text-based graphics (tables) need to be provided as 300-600 dpi, pre-sized .gif, .jpg or .tif images only, with a maximum size of 6 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Please ensure that all writing in the graphics are eligible to read when printed on a regular page. For tables, use the ‘table tool’ in Word, then scale as described maintaining readability, and then create an image file. Color images/figures are allowed; black-and-white digital images should be in grayscale mode. A maximum of one table, image, or figure is permitted per paper submission. Spaces do not count as characters.
The following fields must be completed on the Microsoft CMT Website for submission consideration:
Title: To the extent the data permits, make the title dynamic and conclusive, rather than descriptive. For example, “Hypoxia inhibits Kv1.5 channels in rat carotid artery smooth muscle cells” is preferable to “Effects of hypoxia on Kv1.5 channels.” Explicit titles denoting the findings should be used (not “Investigations of…,” “Studies of…,” etc.)
Authors and Institutions list: Concisely, in the desired order, list authors then institutions. Total characters are limited to 500 including spaces. Example: JQ Doe, MD1; JP Doe, PhD2; AS Doe, MD, PhD1,2 1. U of XX, city, state, country. 2. Hospital of XY, city, state, country.
Structure: Each paper submission should have these seven identifiable sections:
- Background and Objective
- Design/Methods
- Results
- Discussion and Conclusion
- References
- Study Supported By
- Disclosures: Please follow the Neurology® Genetics policy regarding COI and disclosures at https://www.neurology.org/neurology-journals-author-center#5.2.
- Optional upload of one figure, image or table.
Common mistakes:
- Failure to state a conclusion. Use a final sentence or paragraph that reads: “In conclusion…”
- Failure to state sample size. Reviewers will want to assess the quality of the data.
- Excessive use of abbreviations. All but the most standard abbreviations should be defined and most papers should have less than 3 abbreviations. Find a list of widely-accepted abbreviations at https://www.neurology.org/pb-assets/ifa/abbreviationspdf-1697831463987.pdf.
Traps to avoid:
- Typographical errors.
- Using special characters (e.g. “≤”). When possible, please spell out special characters (i.e. “less than or equal to”) to ensure that they translate correctly during composition and don’t introduce errors.
- Using non-generic drug names. At first mention of a drug or device, please state the generic name with the proprietary name in parentheses along with the name, city, and state of the manufacturer. In subsequent mentions, the generic name should be used (for common drugs with multiple manufacturers such as aspirin, it is not necessary to include proprietary names).
- Beginning sentences with numerals.
- (Not) Citing references in the paper.
- Not providing content/statement of relevance that states the rationale for your study.
- Using complex graphics. Simple line or bar graphs work best. Make sure the font is adequate on each axis to be seen. Check a printed version of the paper before submission, as well as at: https://www.neurology.org/neurology-journals-author-center#2.1.8.2.
- Leaving paper writing and submission until the 11th hour – this increases stress and leads to errors.
- Duplicated work. Please see the Journal’s policy on scientific misconduct: https://www.neurology.org/neurology-journals-author-center#5.3
- Failing to disclose study funding or disclosures.
- Failing to proofread your paper prior to submission.
- The proceedings will not be copy-edited prior to publication. Authors are responsible for errors.
Contact information
If you have any issues with registration, abstract submission or payment please email the ISGC Convener.