Statistical corner: Using R to build, analyse and plot clinical neurological datasets

Abstract

Introduction: In the field of medical research, large volumes of data need to be analysed accurately, and it is crucial to pre-process the data before it can be analysed. The 'R' environment is a programming language and environment for statistical computing and graphics suitable for the analysis of data sets. Objectives: To provide examples on how to utilise the R language for data processing, and its usefulness for medical researchers. Materials and Methods: Two real world datasets, ie, data for: 'Effect of Morning Blood Pressure Peak on Early Progressive Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Clinical Study' and data for: 'Impact of early surgery of ruptured cerebral aneurysms on vasospasm and hydrocephalus after SAH: our preliminary series' have been used to present an example for two different approaches for the process of data analysis using R. Results: Accurate and tidy data sets were obtained. Conclusions: R is a reliable environment for the processing of large data sets.