How to do well on Neurology

There's a running joke out there that Neurology could be replaced with a walking CT scanner. While this, of course, is not true, it lends itself to the idea that Neurology intimately connects neuroanatomy with pathology. Understanding neuron pathways and the functions of different parts of the brain is essential to understanding neuropathology. However, in regards to the overall format of Neurology as a medical student, expect a lot of similarities to Internal Medicine

Tips on doing well on your Neurology rotation

Learn the neuro exam

This will be your bread and butter exam for the next few weeks. Here is an in-depth resource to learn the entire neuro exam. Keep a reflex hammer, a few q-tips (to break and test sharp versus soft sensation as well as assess corneal reflexes) and a few monofilaments, a penlight, and a tuning fork in your white coat at all times. Ensure that you have a quick and reproducible way to check cranial nerves. 

Learn to present

Look over the Internal Medicine guide as all the recommendations there apply to Neurology as well. 

Look for opportunities to observe Neurology's ancillary services

Neurology works closely with EEG and EMG technicians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and neurosurgeons to provide neurological services for patients. Take every opportunity to observe these different services, as it will give you more insight into how patients recover and manage their neurological diseases when they are not at their doctor appointments. 

Run through a good text, review neuroanatomy, and continue crushing questions

Neuroanatomy on your shelf and on Step 2 will mostly involve symptom profiles and motor, pain, and sensory deficiencies based on stroke or lesion location. Take some time to write or draw out the different manifestations of strokes depending on location. And, as always, continue doing questions to identify common and key points made and to help dictate what you study.