CCNT study plan

Draw and label the major lobes, sulci, and fissures on a blank brain outline from memory, then self-correct against a reference text.

Trace the corticospinal and dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathways from receptor to cortex, naming each relay nucleus and decussation point.

Explain the functional roles of the thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and limbic system in one written paragraph each.

Map the cranial nerves to their brainstem levels and primary functions in a comparison table.

Describe the cellular basis of the resting membrane potential and action potential generation using ion permeability and the sodium-potassium pump.

Explain synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter release, and excitatory versus inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in relation to EEG generator sources.

Describe how cortical pyramidal cell dipoles produce scalp-recorded potentials, including the effects of orientation and volume conduction.

Identify each component of a basic EEG/EP recording chain (electrodes, amplifier, filters, analog-to-digital converter) and state its function.

Calculate differential amplifier output for given input pairs and compute common mode rejection ratio from sample values.

List electrical safety standards including leakage current limits, grounding requirements, and macroshock versus microshock thresholds.

Demonstrate correct electrode placement for the 10-20 system, naming landmarks and measuring percentages for at least 19 standard positions.

Compare referential, bipolar, and average reference montages and state when each is preferred.

Explain the purpose and correct use of the ACNS standard longitudinal bipolar, transverse bipolar, and referential montages.

Describe impedance checking, electrode maintenance, and troubleshooting of artifact from poor contact.

Set up a simulated recording applying appropriate filter settings (low-frequency, high-frequency, notch) and justify each choice.

Identify normal awake adult rhythms including posterior alpha, mu, beta, and lambda, and state their typical frequencies, distributions, and reactivity.

Describe normal sleep architecture on EEG from stage N1 through N3 and REM, listing defining features of each stage.

Recognize benign variants such as wicket spikes, rhythmic temporal theta of drowsiness, and 14-and-6 positive bursts and distinguish them from epileptiform activity.

Classify common abnormal patterns: focal and generalized slowing, spikes, polyspikes, sharp waves, and spike-and-wave complexes.

Explain activation procedures (hyperventilation, photic stimulation, sleep deprivation) and their expected normal and abnormal responses.

Differentiate epileptiform discharges from non-epileptiform transients using morphology, field, and reactivity criteria.

Describe the electrographic features and clinical correlates of absence, focal, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Explain the technical setup for pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials, including check size, fixation, and waveform naming (N75, P100, N135).

Describe brainstem auditory evoked potential wave generators (waves I through V) and the effects of stimulus polarity, rate, and intensity.

Outline somatosensory evoked potential recording for median and tibial nerves, naming peripheral, cervical, and cortical components and their generators.

Interpret sample EP latency and amplitude values against normative ranges and state whether findings suggest peripheral, plexus, root, or central pathology.

Explain the physiological basis of nerve conduction studies including stimulation, compound muscle action potential versus sensory nerve action potential, and conduction velocity calculation.

Calculate conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude from given distance and time values.

Describe needle EMG findings at rest and during voluntary contraction, including fibrillation potentials, fasciculations, motor unit potentials, and recruitment patterns.

Explain the principles of late responses (F waves, H reflexes) and repetitive nerve stimulation in neuromuscular junction testing.

List standard precautions, hand hygiene steps, and disinfection levels required for electrodes and reusable equipment.

Describe patient identification, informed consent, and communication strategies for anxious or pediatric patients.

Identify fall, seizure, and skin-injury risks during testing and state prevention measures for each.

Explain electrical safety practices specific to the recording environment, including equipment inspection and avoiding conductive hazards.

Review common nerve conduction and EMG artifacts and their corrections to reinforce prior learning.

Write complete, accurate technical reports including montage, filter settings, patient state, and description of findings.

Apply ethical standards covering patient confidentiality, scope of practice, and accurate representation of credentials.

Identify documentation errors in sample reports and rewrite them to meet professional standards.

Complete a timed 100-question mixed practice exam covering all eight domains and score each domain.

Create a targeted review list of the three weakest domains and schedule final review sessions before exam day.