Although there are numerous neurological manifestations of primary haematological disease this review aims to update the reader on advances in the understanding of haematological conditions that may cross into day to day neurological practice but not to discuss the neurology in detail. We have concentrated on thrombophilia, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, sickle cell and clonal disorders associated with neuropathy. Further information may be obtained from the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH), which can be accessed online (www.bcshguidelines.com).