Big Data Defined: A Practical Review for Neurosurgeons

BACKGROUND: Modern science and healthcare aerate vast amounts of data, and, coupled with the increasingly inexpensive and accessible computing, a tremendous opportunity exists to use these data to improve care. A better understanding of data science and its relationship to neurosurgical practice will be increasingly important as we transition into this modern "big data" era. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed for referencing big data for neurosurgical care or related topics. RESULTS: In the present report, we first defined the nature and scope of data science from a technical perspective. We then discussed its relationship to the modern neurosurgical practice, highlighting key references, which might form a useful introductory reading list. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous challenges exist going for.rd; however, organized neurosurgery has an important role in fostering and facilitating these efforts to merge data science with neurosurgical practice.