ABPN Vascular Neurology study guide
ABPN Vascular Neurology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Vascular Neurology is a subspecialty certification administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) for neurologists who want formal recognition of expertise in cerebrovascular disease; candidates typically come from neurology residency plus stroke/vascular fellowship training. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the ABPN - always confirm application, fee, and scheduling details directly with the Board. The ABPN Vascular Neurology study guide has 6 sections and about 1,774 words.
01Cerebrovascular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
Know the anterior and posterior circulations and the collateral routes that determine viability. The internal carotid gives ophthalmic, posterior communicating, anterior choroidal, and terminal anterior and middle cerebral arteries; the vertebrobasilar system supplies brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior cerebral territories.
298 words, about 1 min02Ischemic Stroke: Evaluation and Acute Management
Acute ischemic stroke care begins with last known well, not symptom discovery, and a focused NIHSS. Obtain noncontrast CT to exclude hemorrhage, then CTA and perfusion imaging when they will alter reperfusion decisions.
309 words, about 2 min03Intracerebral and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Intracerebral hemorrhage requires rapid stabilization, blood pressure control, reversal of anticoagulation, and neurosurgical triage. Estimate volume with ABC/2, assess location, midline shift, intraventricular extension, and hydrocephalus.
280 words, about 1 min04Secondary Prevention, Vascular Risk Factors, and Atherosclerotic Disease
Secondary prevention begins with mechanism. Use TOAST-type reasoning to separate large-artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, small-vessel disease, other determined causes, and undetermined stroke.
301 words, about 2 min05Uncommon and Non-atherosclerotic Vasculopathies, Venous Disease, and Spinal Vascular Disorders
Non-atherosclerotic vasculopathies require pattern recognition. Cervical artery dissection causes neck pain, headache, Horner syndrome, and posterior circulation ischemia; antithrombotic choice is individualized.
299 words, about 1 min06Neuroimaging, Neurocritical Care, and Vascular Neurology Emergencies
Neuroimaging must answer the clinical question. Noncontrast CT detects hemorrhage and mass effect but may be normal early in ischemia.
287 words, about 1 min