Neurology
Core concepts
Master the stroke pathway: recognition (FAST), time of onset, imaging (CT to exclude haemorrhage), thrombolysis window, and thrombectomy criteria. Understand seizure classification and status epilepticus management (benzodiazepine first, then second-line agent). Know headache red flags (thunderclap, fever, focal signs, papilloedema), meningitis/encephalitis, and the approach to weakness (upper vs lower motor neuron, Guillain-Barré, myasthenia). Be familiar with delirium and dementia differentiation, and with Parkinson's disease and its drug complications.
Traps
Questions test hypoglycaemia mimicking stroke - check glucose first. Distinguish Bell's palsy (forehead involvement, no limb weakness) from stroke (forehead sparing in UMN facial palsy). Do not attribute a first seizure in an older adult to epilepsy without imaging. In status epilepticus, do not delay benzodiazepines for imaging.
Rule of thumb
In any acute neurological presentation, check capillary glucose immediately - correcting hypoglycaemia can reverse focal deficits and prevents unnecessary thrombolysis.
Worked example
A patient with sudden severe headache and neck stiffness: urgent CT, then lumbar puncture if CT is normal, and empirical antibiotics plus antivirals for suspected meningitis/encephalitis.