ABA Neurocritical Care study plan
ABA Neurocritical Care · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Neurocritical Care
Map the Neurocritical Care domain into subtopics and rank them by exam weight
Build a one-page reference for primary and secondary brain injury pathways
Explain cerebral autoregulation and pressure-volume relationships from memory
Define and distinguish intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and herniation syndromes
Your checkpoint
A ranked subtopic map of domain 1 with a completed one-page brain injury reference sheet
Neurocritical Care
Compare hyperosmolar therapy, sedation, and CSF diversion as ICP-lowering strategies
Interpret arterial pressure and ICP data to calculate cerebral perfusion pressure
Differentiate the clinical features of subfalcine, transtentorial, and tonsillar herniation
Outline a stepwise tiered approach to refractory intracranial hypertension
Your checkpoint
A tiered ICP management algorithm written in your own words with rationale per tier
Neurocritical Care
Distinguish ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke presentations and initial priorities
Sequence acute ischemic stroke evaluation and reperfusion decision points
Explain blood pressure targets in ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke
Summarize reversal strategies for anticoagulation-associated intracerebral hemorrhage
Your checkpoint
A side-by-side stroke comparison table with a timed reperfusion decision checklist
Neurocritical Care
Differentiate seizure types and status epilepticus stages
Sequence first-, second-, and third-line status epilepticus pharmacotherapy
Explain indications for and interpretation of continuous EEG in the critically ill
Describe post-cardiac-arrest targeted temperature management principles
Your checkpoint
A status epilepticus medication ladder plus a 10-question self-quiz with answer rationales
General Critical Care Medicine
Compare vasopressors by mechanism, receptor profile, and typical use
Explain shock classification and initial hemodynamic resuscitation priorities
Interpret basic arterial blood gas and acid-base derangements
Apply fluid responsiveness concepts to resuscitation decisions
Your checkpoint
A vasopressor and shock-state reference card plus five worked acid-base cases
General Critical Care Medicine
Apply lung-protective ventilation principles and interpret ventilator waveforms
Differentiate ARDS severity and evidence-based management steps
Recognize and manage acute respiratory failure causes and escalation to mechanical support
Distinguish types of respiratory failure using blood gas and clinical data
Your checkpoint
A ventilation troubleshooting flowchart plus a chart of ARDS severity and management
General Critical Care Medicine & Neurocritical Care
Recognize sepsis and septic shock and sequence time-sensitive interventions
Manage acute kidney injury and electrolyte emergencies relevant to neurocritical care
Explain glucose, temperature, and nutrition management in the neurocritically ill
Integrate neuroprotective goals with general critical care resuscitation priorities
Your checkpoint
An integrated neurocritical care admission order set covering sepsis, electrolytes, and neuroprotection
Neurocritical Care & General Critical Care Medicine
Synthesize both domains into a single prioritized review list of weak areas
Complete timed mixed-domain practice under exam conditions
Re-teach the five highest-yield concepts from memory without notes
Consolidate high-risk facts into a final one-page rapid review sheet
Your checkpoint
A completed timed mixed-domain practice set with an error log and final one-page rapid review sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Explain ICP, CPP, and herniation syndromes plus the tiered ICP algorithm without notes
Week 4: Score at least 80% on the self-written status epilepticus and stroke quiz
Week 6: Walk through a shock and ARDS case aloud, defending each intervention choice
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% on timed mixed-domain practice and list the top five remaining weak areas