ABPN Neurology study plan

Draw and label the major ascending and descending tracts (dorsal columns, spinothalamic, corticospinal, spinocerebellar) on blank spinal cord cross-sections, marking each decussation

Trace the visual, pupillary, and ocular motor pathways from retina to occipital cortex, then predict the exact visual field or pupil finding produced by a lesion at each relay

Localize 30 written lesion vignettes to a single neuroanatomic site and justify each answer with two supporting examination findings

Build a one-page cranial nerve reference table pairing each nerve with its brainstem nucleus, skull exit, and bedside test

Map the basal ganglia direct and indirect pathways and the cerebellar outflow circuit, then state the net motor effect of dopamine loss and of subthalamic nucleus disinhibition

Classify 30 seizure descriptions using the current ILAE terminology and pair each with a first-line antiseizure medication plus its mechanism of action

Write out the defining features of 15 EEG patterns (3-Hz generalized spike-wave, hypsarrhythmia, lateralized periodic discharges, burst suppression, triphasic waves, mu rhythm, breach rhythm) and separate epileptiform from normal variant

Sequence the management of convulsive and nonconvulsive status epilepticus step by step, naming drug, dose, and the point at which to escalate to continuous infusion

Explain the pharmacology, adverse effects, and teratogenicity risk of the eight most commonly tested antiseizure medications

Connect five inherited epilepsy syndromes to their gene, age of onset, and expected EEG or imaging finding

Distinguish upper from lower motor neuron, neuromuscular junction, and myopathic weakness patterns from 25 written vignettes and state the localizing sign in each

Interpret the classic nerve conduction and needle EMG signatures of axonal loss, demyelination, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and inflammatory myopathy

Compare Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and vasculitic neuropathy on onset, spinal fluid findings, and treatment

Rank the inherited and acquired myopathies by proximal versus distal involvement, CK level, and muscle biopsy appearance

Identify the mimics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and specify which test excludes each one

Differentiate the four cardinal parkinsonian syndromes by onset symmetry, tremor character, levodopa response, and early autonomic or cognitive features

Classify 20 tremor, chorea, dystonia, tic, and myoclonus descriptions into the correct phenomenologic category and name the leading etiology

Compare the hereditary and acquired ataxias on inheritance, age of onset, and characteristic imaging or examination findings

Outline deep brain stimulation target selection and expected benefit for Parkinson disease, essential tremor, and dystonia

Explain the mechanism and acute management of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonin syndrome, and acute dystonic reaction

Localize the classic stroke syndromes (MCA, ACA, PCA, basilar, PICA, lacunar) from 20 written presentations and state the affected vessel

Apply TOAST criteria to classify stroke etiology in 15 cases and select the matching secondary prevention strategy

State the eligibility windows, contraindications, and monitoring requirements for intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy

Compare the acute management of intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, including blood pressure targets and reversal agents

Differentiate stroke from stroke mimics using the bedside features that most reliably discriminate them

Differentiate Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal dementia, and normal pressure hydrocephalus on the basis of cognitive profile, imaging, and core clinical criteria

Score and interpret the MoCA and the Mini-Mental State Examination, and select the appropriate workup for a new cognitive complaint

Screen 20 headache descriptions for red flags and name the immediate imaging or spinal fluid step for each high-risk presentation

Compare acute and preventive migraine therapies by mechanism, evidence, and contraindication, including the role of CGRP-targeted agents

Distinguish trigeminal neuralgia, cluster headache, and medication overuse headache on presentation and first-line treatment

Distinguish multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and MOG antibody disease using clinical pattern, MRI features, and serology

Select the appropriate acute and disease-modifying therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis and justify the risk-benefit for a high-efficacy agent

Rank bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis, brain abscess, and prion disease by spinal fluid profile and name the empiric treatment for each

Locate the lesion responsible for anisocoria, papilledema, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and vertical diplopia from written descriptions

Diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, and Meniere disease using symptom timing, nystagmus pattern, and the Dix-Hallpike or head impulse test result

Stage gliomas and meningiomas and state the expected management approach and prognosis for each grade

Track normal developmental milestones across the first two years and identify the red flags that mandate further evaluation

Compare the presentations and management of neonatal seizures, febrile seizures, and infantile spasms

Apply the Glasgow Coma Scale and concussion grading, and outline the return-to-play and second impact considerations after mild traumatic brain injury

Distinguish Wernicke encephalopathy, osmotic demyelination syndrome, subacute combined degeneration, carbon monoxide poisoning, and hepatic encephalopathy by mechanism and imaging

Integrate all ten domains in a full-length timed practice examination and log every missed item with the underlying knowledge gap and a corrective action