The ACGME defines neuropathology as the subspecialty of pathology dealing with the tissue-based diagnosis of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems, skeletal muscle, and eye.
Neuropathology is a highly specialized field with a unique set of characteristics that plays a significant role in a wide range of clinical settings—from neuromuscular and ophthalmic cases to neurodegenerative diseases and forensics. Because it relies so heavily on molecular analysis for tumor cases, and intensive brain examination for medical and forensic autopsies, most general surgical pathologists are not comfortable working with neuro cases. Neuropathologists also get the opportunity to work on neuroscience topics, which is a rapidly evolving part of biomedical research.