ABNS Neurological Surgery study plan

Build a one-page decision algorithm for cervical and thoracolumbar trauma (SLIC, TLICS, AOSpine) and recite it from memory

List the indications, contraindications, and complication profiles for anterior cervical, posterior cervical, and lateral/posterolateral approaches

Differentiate upper versus lower cervical spine injury patterns and state the ligamentous structures disrupted in each

Draft a TBI management checklist covering ICP thresholds, hyperosmolar therapy, and sedation weaning

Compare decompression alone versus fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis and lumbar stenosis using the key trial evidence

Map the vascular supply of the spinal cord and predict deficit levels for each radicular artery territory

Outline the workup and treatment ladder for subarachnoid hemorrhage from presentation to securing the aneurysm

State Hunt-Hess, WFNS, and modified Fisher grading criteria from memory

Classify intracranial aneurysms by location and describe clipping versus coiling selection factors for each

Explain AVM grading (Spetzler-Martin) and the rationale for each treatment modality

Build a vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia protocol including monitoring triggers and triple-H caveats

List the physiologic targets for neuroanesthesia in elevated ICP and in cerebral ischemia

Differentiate the imaging features and management of the major adult intra-axial and extra-axial tumors

State WHO grading principles and molecular markers relevant to glioma prognosis

Interpret CT and MRI patterns of hemorrhage, edema, and herniation syndromes

Describe the role and limitations of perfusion imaging, MR spectroscopy, and PET in tumor workup

Outline surgical corridors to the anterior, middle, and posterior skull base and name the at-risk cranial nerves for each

Map cranial nerve syndromes to anatomic localization and to likely pathology

Describe the management of pituitary adenoma, vestibular schwannoma, and meningioma including observation criteria

Explain the principles of radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy in neuro-oncology

Compare treatment options for pediatric hydrocephalus including shunt versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy selection

Outline the workup and surgical timing for craniosynostosis, myelomeningocele, and Chiari malformation

Describe the presurgical evaluation for epilepsy including semiology, video-EEG, and imaging concordance

Compare resective, ablative, disconnection, and neuromodulation strategies for drug-resistant epilepsy

Explain targeting principles and complication avoidance for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson disease, essential tremor, and dystonia

Describe indications and outcomes for trigeminal neuralgia procedures including percutaneous options, radiosurgery, and microvascular decompression

Differentiate communicating versus noncommunicating hydrocephalus and normal pressure hydrocephalus workup criteria

Outline shunt valve types, programmable valve management, and shunt malfunction evaluation

Review neurophysiology of cerebral blood flow, autoregulation, and the Monro-Kellie doctrine and apply them to ICU scenarios

Rehearse high-yield neurotrauma and neurocritical care management pathways under timed conditions

Consolidate peripheral nerve and spine topics not yet covered including entrapment syndromes and nerve injury classification

Complete a full-length mixed-topic self-assessment and categorize every missed item by domain