Cross-Reference Implementation Guide

A to Z Neurology for Physicians

This guide provides templates and strategies for adding search-optimized cross-references throughout the document.

1. Section Header Cross-Reference Box

Add this callout box immediately after the disease title and image in each disease section:

::: {.callout-note collapse="false"}
## 🔗 Related Topics
**Differential Diagnoses:** [Disease 1](#anchor-id) | [Disease 2](#anchor-id) | [Disease 3](#anchor-id)

**Related Symptoms:** [Symptom 1](#anchor-id) | [Symptom 2](#anchor-id) | [Symptom 3](#anchor-id)

**Diagnostic Tests:** [Test 1](#anchor-id) | [Test 2](#anchor-id)

**See Also:** [Related Topic](#anchor-id)
:::

Example (ADEM):

## Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) {#acute-disseminated-encephalomyelitis-adem}

![](../images/adem.png){}

::: {.callout-note collapse="false"}
## 🔗 Related Topics
**Differential Diagnoses:** [Multiple Sclerosis](#multiple-sclerosis-ms) | [Neuromyelitis Optica](#neuromyelitis-optica-spectrum-disorder-nmosd) | [Autoimmune Encephalitis](#autoimmune-encephalitis)

**Related Symptoms:** [Confusion / Altered Mental Status](#confusion--altered-mental-status) | [Ataxia](#ataxia) | [Seizure](#seizure) | [Headache](#headache)

**Diagnostic Tests:** [Lumbar Puncture](#lumbar-puncture-lp) | [MRI Interpretation](#diagnostic-tests)
:::

2. Inline Cross-References

Link medical terms the first time they appear in each major section (Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Management).

Template:

[term text](#section-anchor-id)

Examples:

[ataxia](#ataxia) → links to Ataxia symptom section
[multiple sclerosis](#multiple-sclerosis-ms) → links to MS disease section
[seizures](#seizure) → links to Seizure symptom section
[headache](#headache) → links to Headache symptom section
[confusion](#confusion--altered-mental-status) → links to Confusion section

Where to Add Inline Links:

Clinical Features section - link symptom terms
Diagnosis section - link differential diagnoses and diagnostic tests
Differential diagnoses lists - link each condition mentioned
Management section - link to related treatment sections if applicable

3. Common Anchor IDs Reference

Symptoms (Symptom-Based Approach section):

#amnesia
#aphasia
#apraxia
#ataxia
#athetosis
#bradykinesia
#chorea
#confusion--altered-mental-status
#diplopia
#dysarthria
#dyskinesia
#dysphagia
#dystonia
#facial-pain
#facial-palsy
#fasciculation
#gait-ataxia
#headache
#hemiballismus
#hypertonia--spasticity
#muscle-weakness
#myoclonus
#numbness
#nystagmus
#pain
#ptosis
#seizure
#syncope
#tremor
#vertigo

Diagnostic Tests:

#lumbar-puncture-lp
#electromyography-and-nerve-conduction-studies-emgncs
#electroencephalography-eeg
#evoked-potentials
#diagnostic-tests

Neurologic Examination:

#neurologic-examination
#mental-status-examination
#cranial-nerve-examination
#motor-examination
#sensory-examination
#reflex-examination
#coordination-and-cerebellar-testing
#gait-and-station

Common Disease Anchor IDs (examples):

#acute-disseminated-encephalomyelitis-adem
#acute-inflammatory-demyelinating-polyradiculoneuropathy-aidp
#alzheimers-disease
#amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als
#bells-palsy
#multiple-sclerosis-ms
#parkinsons-disease
#guillain-barré-syndrome
#myasthenia-gravis
#stroke

Note: To find the exact anchor ID for any section: 1. Look at the section header: ## Section Name {#anchor-id} 2. Use the #anchor-id in your links

4. Cross-Reference Patterns by Section Type

For Disease Sections:

In Epidemiology:

No cross-references typically needed (just facts/stats)

In Etiopathophysiology:

Link to related pathophysiology sections if discussing mechanisms
Example: [demyelination](#multiple-sclerosis-ms) when discussing myelin

In Clinical Features:

Always link symptoms the first time mentioned
Example: Patients present with [ataxia](#ataxia), [tremor](#tremor), and [dysarthria](#dysarthria)

In Diagnosis - Differential Diagnoses:

Always link every condition in differential diagnosis lists
Example: Differential diagnoses include [MS](#multiple-sclerosis-ms), [NMOSD](#neuromyelitis-optica-spectrum-disorder-nmosd), and [autoimmune encephalitis](#autoimmune-encephalitis)

In Management:

Link to diagnostic test sections when mentioning tests
Link to related treatment sections if applicable

5. Quick Implementation Workflow

For each disease section:

Step 1: Add Header Cross-Reference Box

Identify 3-5 main differential diagnoses
Identify 3-5 key presenting symptoms
Identify relevant diagnostic tests
Insert the callout box template
Fill in the links

Step 2: Add Inline Cross-References

Read through “Clinical Features” - link symptoms
Read through “Diagnosis” - link differential diagnoses
Read through “Management” - link tests/treatments
Add cross-references on first mention only in each subsection

Step 3: Check Anchor IDs

Verify all linked section IDs exist in the document
Use exact ID format (lowercase, hyphens for spaces, special characters become –)

6. Testing Cross-References

After adding cross-references:

# Render HTML to test links
quarto render AtoZ_Physicians/index.qmd --to html

# Open in browser and click links to verify they work
open _site/AtoZ_Physicians/index.html

7. Example Template for Full Disease Section

## Disease Name {#disease-name-anchor}

![](../images/disease.png){}

::: {.callout-note collapse="false"}
## 🔗 Related Topics
**Differential Diagnoses:** [Disease A](#disease-a) | [Disease B](#disease-b) | [Disease C](#disease-c)

**Related Symptoms:** [Symptom 1](#symptom-1) | [Symptom 2](#symptom-2) | [Symptom 3](#symptom-3)

**Diagnostic Tests:** [Test Name](#test-name)

**See Also:** [Related Topic](#related-topic)
:::

### Clinical Scenario
- Patient presents with...

### Epidemiology
- Prevalence, incidence (no cross-refs typically)

### Etiopathophysiology
- Mechanism of disease

### Clinical Features
- Patients present with [headache](#headache), [nausea](#nausea), and [confusion](#confusion--altered-mental-status)
- [Seizures](#seizure) occur in X% of cases
- [Ataxia](#ataxia) and [tremor](#tremor) are common

### Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis with characteristic findings
- Differential diagnoses include [MS](#multiple-sclerosis-ms), [ADEM](#acute-disseminated-encephalomyelitis-adem), and [encephalitis](#autoimmune-encephalitis)
- [CSF analysis](#lumbar-puncture-lp) shows elevated protein
- [MRI](#diagnostic-tests) reveals...

### Management
- Treatment approach
- [EMG/NCS](#electromyography-and-nerve-conduction-studies-emgncs) for monitoring

### References
- Citations

8. Benefits of This System

Improved Navigation: Readers can instantly jump to related content
Better Learning: Connects related concepts for deeper understanding
Search Optimization: Creates a web of internal links
Clinical Utility: Quick reference during patient care
Study Aid: Easy to explore differential diagnoses

9. Sections Already Completed

✅ ADEM - Fully cross-referenced as example

10. Priority Order for Implementation

Recommend adding cross-references in this order:

High-priority diseases (common conditions, board exam topics)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Seizure disorders
Symptom sections (add links to differential diagnoses)
- Headache → link to migraine, SAH, etc.
- Weakness → link to GBS, MG, stroke, etc.
- Confusion → link to encephalitis, metabolic, etc.
Remaining disease sections (work alphabetically)

Need Help?

To find section anchor IDs: Search the document for ## Section Name {#anchor
To test a link: Format is [display text](#anchor-id)
Spaces in anchors become hyphens: “Multiple Sclerosis” → #multiple-sclerosis
Special characters become hyphens: “Confusion / Altered” → #confusion--altered-mental-status