The US Census Bureau predicts a continuous rise from 2016 to 2060 in the percentage of population that is 65 or older, a patient group with a higher prevalence of neuro-related concerns. Moreover, previous studies have projected a potential neurologist shortage by 2025. The discrepancy between supply and demand will require evaluation and monitoring to understand the future extent of neurological care and needs that can better improve patient outcomes.

Average relative search volume (RSV) for each state for the term “neurologist” was determined by analyzing Google Trends from 2004-2019. The neurologist per capita values were computed by taking the number of neurologists per state and then dividing by the corresponding 2019 Census estimates. The RSV values were then divided by per capita values to quantify demand index and standardized to generate the scaled demand index (SDI). A spearman’s rho correlation test was also conducted to assess the relationship between SDI and overall 2019 state health rankings as conducted by the America’s Health Rankings group.

The states with highest RSV were New Jersey (100), Alabama (96), and Florida/West Virginia (94), whiles lowest RSV were Vermont (28), North Dakota (33), and Hawaii (38). The SDI for neurologists was greatest in Wyoming (100), Mississippi (74), and West Virginia (72) and lowest in the District of Columbia (0), Vermont (1), and Massachusetts (3). Spearman’s rho test revealed a strong negative relationship between SDI and overall state health ranking that was statistically significant (r_s= -0.7274, p<0.001).

This study identified regions with market saturation and those with an unmet need for neurologists, particularly states in the southeastern United States. The findings may be an informative metric for neurologists to assess which states have the highest need for neurological care.