The effect of neurological disease on emotional function has been a relatively neglected area of study in the modern era. Yet many forms of neurological diseases cause a variety of symptoms ranging from depression, anxiety, loss of motivation, loss of empathy, and emotional lability, with major impacts on work and social functioning. The case descriptions in this special issue illustrate the challenges we face in trying to understand the origins of these deficits, but also highlight the opportunity we have to improve our understanding of emotional functions by studying these patients. An introductory overview of the neuroanatomy of emotion provides a context for understanding the individual articles.