ABOHNS Neurotology study plan
ABOHNS Neurotology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Neurotology & Vestibular Disorders
Map the peripheral vestibular end-organ to its central pathways and state the neurotransmitter and receptor type at each synapse
Differentiate peripheral from central vestibular lesion patterns using bedside oculomotor findings
Label the temporal bone anatomy relevant to vestibular surgery on a traced cross-section
List the vestibular test battery and state what each test localizes
Your checkpoint
One-page schematic of the vestibular pathway with lesion-localizing annotations, self-quizzed to 90% recall
Neurotology & Vestibular Disorders
Apply the diagnostic criteria for each episodic vestibular syndrome and justify the discriminating features
Calculate and interpret caloric, vHIT, and VEMP results from written numeric data
Explain the mechanism and expected findings in vestibular migraine versus Meniere disease
Describe the surgical and ablative options for refractory vertigo with their failure modes
Your checkpoint
Ten written case vignettes with a defensible diagnosis and one-line rationale each
Otology & Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation
Classify chronic otitis media subtypes and match each to its preferred surgical approach
Interpret a full audiogram and tympanogram and state the degree, type, and configuration of loss
Compare amplification options and state candidacy criteria for each
Outline the workup of a sudden sensorineural hearing loss with a time-based management plan
Your checkpoint
Annotated audiogram workbook of 8 tracings with interpretation and a written management recommendation for each
Otology & Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation
Sequence the steps of tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy and state the indication for each variant
Explain cochlear implant candidacy, device selection, and expected outcomes by patient profile
Describe ossicular reconstruction options and when each is chosen
List complications of otologic surgery and the intraoperative maneuver that prevents each
Your checkpoint
Timed 40-question self-test across otology and audiology, with every missed item rewritten as a corrected flashcard
Skull Base Surgery
Map the skull base compartments and the approach corridor that reaches each
Trace the course of the facial nerve and internal carotid through the temporal bone and state the danger zones
Compare translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, and middle fossa approaches by tumor size, hearing preservation, and morbidity
Outline perioperative cerebrospinal fluid leak prevention and management
Your checkpoint
Comparative table of three lateral skull base approaches with a written justification for choosing one in a described tumor scenario
Facial Nerve Disorders
Grade facial nerve function and document it reproducibly
Localize a facial palsy to the segment of the nerve using topographic and electrodiagnostic findings
Interpret electroneuronography and electromyography results and state the decision threshold for intervention
Outline medical and surgical management of Bell palsy and of traumatic facial paralysis by timing
Your checkpoint
Facial nerve case series of 6 vignettes with grading, localization, and a timed management decision for each
Otology & Skull Base Surgery
Integrate imaging findings into the staging and surgical plan for a temporal bone lesion
Rehearse the differential for a unilateral middle ear mass and the biopsy decision
State the indications, contraindications, and consent elements for lateral skull base surgery
Connect otologic complications to skull base extension and the salvage pathway
Your checkpoint
Two-page integrated management algorithm for unilateral middle ear mass, defended against three counter-scenarios
Neurotology & Otology & Skull Base Surgery & Vestibular Disorders & Facial Nerve Disorders & Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation
Consolidate all six domains through spaced retrieval of previously missed items
Complete two full-length timed practice blocks and analyze error patterns by domain
Restate the highest-yield decision thresholds and criteria from memory
Build a one-page rapid-review sheet for exam-day use
Your checkpoint
Full-length timed mock exam scored by domain, with a written remediation list and the final one-page review sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 25-item vestibular quiz and correctly localize 8 of 10 lesion vignettes
Week 4: Score at least 75% on the timed 40-item otology and audiology self-test and interpret 8 of 8 audiograms correctly
Week 6: Correctly grade, localize, and time management decisions in 5 of 6 facial nerve vignettes
Week 8: Score at least 80% overall on the full-length mock exam with no domain below 70%