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Health services for patients with neurological conditions are "poorly organised" and local hospital care is substandard for those admitted with acute illness, says a report.
The Royal College of Physicians and the Association of British Neurologists say patients with neurological emergencies other than stroke need better access to specialists.
There should also be an integrated "neurology network" that caters effectively for patients, including those with chronic disease, at all stages of their condition.
David Bateman, a consultant neurologist who chaired the report working party, said improvements could be achieved mainly through reorganisation rather than extra spending.
"The Department of Health and commissioners cannot afford to ignore this report," he said.
Neurological disorders account for about one in 10 GP consultations, 10% of emergency medical admissions (excluding stroke), and result in disability in one in 50 people in the UK.
They include different conditions of varying severity, some very common like migraine and others, such as motor...