Surgical Neurology provides outstanding, comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in the field of neurosurgery by providing peer-reviewed articles that discuss advances in clinical practice and research of value for the practicing neurosurgeon and resident. In 1995, Surgical Neurology broadened its editorial scope to include information for the practicing neurosurgeon-in and out of the OR: the journal now features controversial editorials on scientific and non-scientific issues that concern neurosurgeons in today's changing world, including, health care, malpractice, practice building and development, advice to young neurosurgeons, and retirement.

Surgical Neurology is the Official International Journal of the Belgian Society of Neurosurgery, Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery, the Chinese Neurosurgical Society, the Romanian Society of Neurosurgery, the Russian Neurosurgical Society, and the Taiwan Neurosurgical Society.