ASN CNSA study plan

ASN CNSA · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Neurosonology (RPNI)

Map the RPNI domain blueprint into a checklist of testable subtopics
Label the extracranial carotid and vertebral arterial segments and normal spectral waveforms from memory
Define the hemodynamic principles (Bernoulli, Poiseuille, continuity) and state how each explains stenosis grading
Set up a spaced-repetition deck seeded with 60 neurosonology terms

A one-page labeled arterial anatomy diagram plus a 60-card deck with all Week 1 terms entered

Week 2

Classify plaque by echogenicity, surface, and morphology and state the clinical implication of each
Calculate percent stenosis using NASCET-style and area/velocity criteria and compare the two results
Interpret velocity thresholds for ICA stenosis categories from given numbers
Explain the technical factors that falsely elevate or lower peak systolic velocity

A worked problem set of 10 velocity-to-stenosis cases with written rationale for each grade

Week 3

Differentiate complete occlusion from near-occlusion using Doppler and grayscale findings
Describe findings of dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, and carotid body tumor
Recognize vertebral and subclavian steal patterns on spectral Doppler
Justify when to extend an exam to the contralateral side or to the aortic arch

A differential table covering 8 carotid/vertebral pathologies with key discriminating findings

Week 4

Apply diagnostic criteria to transcranial Doppler of the major intracranial vessels
State vasospasm versus hyperemia criteria and the reasoning behind each
Identify the role of TCD in sickle cell screening and microembolic detection
Audit personal weak spots from Weeks 1-3 and re-teach them aloud

A 25-question self-authored quiz on RPNI material scored at 85% or better with missed items logged

Week 5

Map the NVS blueprint and cross-reference overlaps with RPNI
Describe the stroke mechanism classifications and match them to sonographic patterns
Explain how ultrasound findings change antithrombotic or revascularization decisions
Outline the diagnostic workup sequence for a symptomatic patient

A one-page clinical decision flow from symptom to ultrasound finding to management implication

Week 6

Interpret bedside/point-of-care vascular studies in acute stroke and trauma contexts
Distinguish arterial from venous pathology on duplex and state the confirmatory next step
Explain limitations of ultrasound and when CTA/MRA is preferred
Describe quality-assurance and accreditation requirements for a vascular lab

A comparison matrix of ultrasound versus CTA/MRA for 6 clinical scenarios with a stated recommendation for each

Week 7

Integrate RPNI and NVS content by answering mixed-format case vignettes
Practice structured reporting: findings, impression, and recommendation for 5 cases
Identify and correct recurring error patterns from prior quizzes
Time yourself on a 40-question mixed set to build pacing

A timed 40-question mixed practice exam with a written error analysis of every missed item

Week 8

Two full-length timed simulations completed with scores and a final one-page high-yield summary sheet

Week 2: Can grade ICA stenosis from velocity data with correct rationale on 9 of 10 cases

Week 4: Scores 85% or better on the self-authored RPNI quiz and has logged every missed concept

Week 6: Can justify ultrasound versus cross-sectional imaging for all 6 scenarios without notes

Week 7: Scores 80% or better on the timed 40-question mixed set with a completed error analysis

Week 8: Both full simulations completed within time limit and trending upward from Week 7