ABPN Vascular Neurology study plan

Reconstruct the intracranial arterial tree and the major vascular territories from memory on a blank template

Explain cerebral autoregulation, collateral recruitment, and the penumbra-to-infarct cascade in your own words

Differentiate large-artery atherosclerotic, cardioembolic, small-vessel, and hypoperfusion mechanisms by clinical and imaging signature

Map at least 15 classic stroke syndromes to the offending vessel and territory

Apply territory anatomy to localize lesions from written vignettes before reading the imaging description

Calculate NIHSS from written scenarios and state its weaknesses in posterior circulation and minor deficits

Screen candidates against 0-4.5 hour and extended-window intravenous thrombolysis criteria

Interpret non-contrast CT, CTA, and CT perfusion patterns to decide reperfusion eligibility

Sequence the acute stroke code: triage, imaging priority, lab thresholds, thrombolytic dosing, and post-lysis monitoring

Compare thrombectomy trial populations and apply their selection criteria to individual patients

Manage post-thrombolysis blood pressure and hemorrhagic transformation, including reversal strategies

Recognize malignant edema, early recurrence, and other early complications and state the escalation step for each

Classify intracerebral hemorrhage by location and mechanism using a structured etiologic framework

Manage blood pressure, coagulopathy reversal, and surgical referral decisions in intracerebral hemorrhage

Distinguish aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage by presentation, grading, and radiographic pattern

Outline aneurysm securing options and the prevention and monitoring of delayed cerebral ischemia

Interpret CT, CTA, MRI, and vascular imaging findings across hemorrhagic and neurocritical presentations

Manage elevated intracranial pressure, herniation syndromes, and hemodynamic and ventilator targets in the neurocritical care unit

Apply delayed cerebral ischemia monitoring and rescue therapy in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Recognize vascular emergencies including cervical dissection, cerebral venous thrombosis, and basilar occlusion

Build a mechanism-specific secondary prevention plan for large-artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, embolic stroke of undetermined source, and small-vessel disease

Select antiplatelet versus anticoagulant regimens with attention to timing, agent choice, and bleeding risk

Apply lipid, blood pressure, glycemic, smoking, and lifestyle targets to guideline thresholds

Weigh carotid endarterectomy, stenting, and medical therapy by symptomatic status and degree of stenosis

Distinguish cervical artery dissection, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, moyamoya disease, and CNS vasculitis by angiographic and clinical pattern

Identify hereditary small-vessel disorders and their imaging hallmarks

Manage cerebral venous sinus thrombosis anticoagulation and recognize its exceptions and escalation triggers

Localize spinal vascular malformations and apply the workup for spinal cord infarction and dural arteriovenous fistula

Interpret CTA, MRA, DSA, perfusion, and vessel wall imaging at a decision-making level

Integrate all six domains on a full-length timed mock examination

Convert every missed mock item into a documented knowledge gap with a concrete remediation action

Drill rapid recall of thrombolytic dosing, treatment windows, and guideline thresholds