ABPMR Neuromuscular Medicine study plan

Map spinal cord tract and segmental anatomy onto the four classic myelopathy syndromes (anterior cord, central cord, Brown-Séquard, posterior column) and state the localizing findings of each

Contrast upper versus lower motor neuron examination findings and build a decision table that separates anterior horn cell disease from root, plexus, and nerve lesions

List the needle EMG hallmarks of anterior horn cell loss (fibrillation potentials, fasciculation potentials, enlarged polyphasic MUAPs, reduced recruitment) and explain the physiologic basis of each

Outline the standard upper and lower extremity nerve conduction setup and identify which nerves and muscles to sample when motor neuron disease is suspected

Differentiate ALS from its mimics (multifocal motor neuropathy, Kennedy disease, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, post-polio syndrome) using clinical, electrodiagnostic, and laboratory criteria

Apply the Awaji and revised El Escorial diagnostic frameworks to three written case vignettes and defend the diagnostic category assigned

Describe the inheritance, examination features, and expected EMG findings of spinal muscular atrophy and hereditary spastic paraplegia

Explain motor unit number estimation and its role in tracking motor neuron disease progression

Identify red flags that separate structural myelopathy, dural arteriovenous fistula, syrinx, and intramedullary tumor on history and imaging

Correlate cervical and lumbosacral root levels with myotomal, dermatomal, and reflex patterns, and predict which root is affected in ten written vignettes

Explain the electrodiagnostic signature of radiculopathy, including paraspinal fibrillation potentials, normal sensory responses in root lesions, and H-reflex and F-wave utility

Distinguish brachial plexus lesions by trunk, division, and cord level using weakness and sensory patterns

Interpret the classic EMG patterns of neuralgic amyotrophy, radiation plexopathy, and neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and state the features that separate them

Differentiate lumbosacral plexopathy from radiculopathy and from individual mononeuropathies using examination and electrodiagnostic findings

Compare obstetric and traumatic brachial plexopathy regarding lesion level, prognosis, and timing of surgical referral

Describe the classification of peripheral neuropathies by fiber type, tempo, and pattern, and match each pattern to a differential list

Explain how nerve conduction studies, needle EMG, and autonomic testing are sequenced to characterize a length-dependent versus non-length-dependent neuropathy

Differentiate Guillain-Barré syndrome from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy using onset, progression, cerebrospinal fluid findings, and treatment response

Interpret demyelinating versus axonal nerve conduction patterns and state the criteria supporting each conclusion

Identify the clinical and electrodiagnostic features of hereditary neuropathies, vasculitic neuropathy, and diabetic and alcoholic neuropathies

Describe the anatomic basis and testing approach for small fiber and autonomic neuropathy

Outline the evaluation of a focal mononeuropathy at common entrapment sites and the role of ultrasound and inching studies

Distinguish myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, and botulism on the basis of fatigability pattern, autonomic features, and reflex findings

Interpret repetitive nerve stimulation results, including decrement magnitude, post-exercise facilitation and exhaustion, and the rationale for each provocative maneuver

Explain the role, sensitivity, and technical pitfalls of single-fiber EMG and jitter analysis

Match antibody profiles in myasthenia gravis to phenotype, thymoma risk, and treatment selection

Recognize congenital myasthenic syndromes and medication-induced neuromuscular junction disorders

Classify myopathies by inheritance and pathophysiology, covering inflammatory, muscular dystrophy, congenital, metabolic, mitochondrial, and toxic etiologies

Contrast myopathic and neuropathic needle EMG findings, including motor unit potential size and duration, recruitment pattern, and spontaneous activity

Explain the indications, yield, and interpretation limits of muscle biopsy and genetic testing in suspected myopathy

Identify the myopathy patterns that produce prominent weakness with normal or minimally abnormal nerve conduction studies

Describe the cardiac, respiratory, and systemic surveillance required for specific myopathies

Reconcile every previously missed item into a single error log organized by domain and by reasoning error type

Complete two full-length timed mixed-domain examinations and compare scores across the two attempts

Re-teach the three weakest subtopics from memory without notes, then verify against references

Assemble a rapid-review sheet covering localization pearls, electrodiagnostic criteria, and treatment-defining diagnoses