Iraqi Board Neurosurgery study plan
Iraqi Board Neurosurgery · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Basic Neurosciences (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neuropharmacology) & Neuro-oncology (intracranial and spinal tumours, skull base tumours)
Draw from memory the cortical surface anatomy, ventricular system, and major white matter tracts, labeling key landmarks and their clinical correlations.
Explain the molecular pathways and histopathological features of the five most common primary brain tumors (glioblastoma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, vestibular schwannoma, medulloblastoma).
Compare the WHO 2021 classification updates for adult-type diffuse gliomas, including IDH and 1p/19q status, and describe how they alter prognosis and surgical decision-making.
Summarize the pharmacology of antiepileptic drugs, corticosteroids, and chemotherapeutic agents used perioperatively in neuro-oncology, including mechanisms and major adverse effects.
Your checkpoint
Create a two-page summary sheet of neuroanatomy and neuro-oncology pathology with diagrams and key tables; self-test with 20 recall questions.
Neuro-oncology (intracranial and spinal tumours, skull base tumours) & Neuroimaging and Diagnostic Investigations (CT, MRI, angiography, EEG, evoked potentials, ICP monitoring)
Outline the surgical approaches to skull base tumors (anterior, middle, and posterior fossae) and the anatomical corridors they provide.
Interpret CT and MRI findings for common intracranial tumors, distinguishing extra-axial from intra-axial lesions and identifying radiological hallmarks of malignancy.
Describe the principles of radiation therapy and radiosurgery for brain metastases, meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas, including dose constraints to critical structures.
Explain the role of MR spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, and PET in differentiating tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis.
Your checkpoint
Write a 500-word case-based analysis of three neuro-oncology scenarios with imaging findings and management plans.
Neurotrauma (head injury, spinal trauma, peripheral nerve injury) & Neurocritical Care, Perioperative Management and Complications
Classify traumatic brain injury using the Glasgow Coma Scale, Marshall CT classification, and describe indications for ICP monitoring and decompressive craniectomy.
Outline the acute management of spinal cord injury, including the role of steroids, timing of surgery, and hemodynamic targets.
Describe the stepwise management of elevated intracranial pressure, including hyperosmolar therapy, sedation, and CSF drainage.
Identify the signs and management of common perioperative complications in neurotrauma, such as hyponatremia, seizures, and venous thromboembolism.
Your checkpoint
Produce a one-page algorithm for the first 24 hours of severe TBI management and a table of spinal cord injury syndromes.
Neurotrauma (head injury, spinal trauma, peripheral nerve injury) & Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery (degenerative, deformity, infection, tumour, syringomyelia)
Compare surgical versus conservative management of degenerative cervical and lumbar spine disease, including indications for fusion and disc replacement.
Explain the classification and treatment of spinal infections (discitis, epidural abscess) and spinal tumors (intradural extramedullary vs intramedullary).
Describe the evaluation and management of syringomyelia, including associated Chiari malformation and tethered cord.
Summarize the principles of peripheral nerve injury classification (Seddon and Sunderland) and the timing of repair versus grafting.
Your checkpoint
Complete a 30-question self-assessment covering neurotrauma and spine; score ≥80% and review incorrect answers.
Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery (aneurysms, AVMs, cavernomas, moyamoya, stroke surgery) & Neuroimaging and Diagnostic Investigations (CT, MRI, angiography, EEG, evoked potentials, ICP monitoring)
Describe the natural history, rupture risk, and treatment options (clipping vs coiling) for intracranial aneurysms, including the ISAT and BRAT trial findings.
Outline the angioarchitectural features of AVMs and cavernomas that guide treatment selection (microsurgery, embolization, radiosurgery).
Explain the diagnostic workup and management of moyamoya disease, including revascularization techniques.
Interpret catheter angiography and CT angiography for cerebrovascular pathology, recognizing common variants and pitfalls.
Your checkpoint
Create a comparison table of treatment modalities for aneurysms, AVMs, and cavernomas with indications and outcomes.
Pediatric Neurosurgery (congenital anomalies, hydrocephalus, paediatric tumours, craniosynostosis) & Hydrocephalus and CSF Disorders
Outline the embryology and classification of neural tube defects, including myelomeningocele and encephalocele, and their surgical management.
Describe the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus in children, including shunt types, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, and complications.
Explain the management of craniosynostosis, including timing of surgery and techniques (strip craniectomy vs cranial vault remodeling).
Summarize the presentation and treatment of common pediatric brain tumors (medulloblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma).
Your checkpoint
Prepare a flowchart for the management of pediatric hydrocephalus and a summary of craniosynostosis syndromes.
Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery (epilepsy, movement disorders, pain, spasticity) & Peripheral Nerve and Pituitary/Neuroendocrine Surgery
Describe the presurgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery, including EEG, MRI, and neuropsychological testing.
Explain the surgical options for movement disorders (deep brain stimulation, pallidotomy) and their indications for Parkinson's disease, tremor, and dystonia.
Outline the management of spasticity, including intrathecal baclofen and selective dorsal rhizotomy.
Summarize the evaluation and surgical approaches for pituitary adenomas, including transsphenoidal surgery and endocrine outcomes.
Your checkpoint
Write a 300-word summary of functional neurosurgery indications and a table of pituitary adenoma subtypes and management.
Operative Technique, Surgical Anatomy and Professional/Ethical Practice & Neurocritical Care, Perioperative Management and Complications & Basic Neurosciences (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neuropharmacology)
Review surgical anatomy for common approaches (pterional, retrosigmoid, transsphenoidal) and key landmarks to avoid complications.
Discuss ethical and professional issues in neurosurgery, including informed consent, conflict of interest, and error disclosure.
Integrate perioperative management principles across all domains, focusing on complication prevention and management.
Complete a comprehensive self-assessment covering all domains, with emphasis on weak areas identified in prior weeks.
Your checkpoint
Pass a 100-question mock exam with ≥75% score and create a personal list of 10 high-yield facts to review before the exam.
Milestones
Week 2: Successfully explain the WHO 2021 glioma classification and skull base approaches to a colleague without notes.
Week 4: Score ≥80% on the neurotrauma and spine self-assessment and demonstrate a TBI management algorithm.
Week 6: Present a pediatric hydrocephalus management plan and compare treatment options for craniosynostosis.
Week 8: Achieve ≥75% on the 100-question mock exam and complete a personalized review sheet of weak topics.