The Idiot's Guide to Neuro

If you are anything like an average med student, chances are that you would procrastinate till the week before an exam to actually start studying for it. Unfortunately, this does not work for the toughest module of third year, neuroscience. This module not only has the toughest anatomy we have ever come across, pharm doesn’t give leeway to free time either.

Don’t worry because we have you covered for an extensive and the skinny on it too!

THE GO HARD OR GO HOME:

Gross Anatomy:

Snell’s clinical neuroanatomy: This in-depth guide to neuro anatomy, delves into the details of each individual structure. Recommended by every teacher and student/doctor it does live up to the hype, it’s diagrams and illustrations really help in consolidating all the major topics. Of particular importance are the clinical correlates, which are very high yield, if you prefer another textbook, do take a look at those.

The con: IT IS A NIGHTMARE FOR THOSE WHO HATE READING (I’m very disappointed in you if you do, yes you)

If, however, you are an audiovisual learner, listen to Najeeb’s videos on neuroanatomy. He does it brilliantly, an excellent way around dozing off whilst reading Snell’s. We have tried this method and compared it to Snell’s and it was the same information right down to the T, except of course for clinical correlates!!!! (I’ll keep repeating this, until you remember to do them). So, in summary cover the following topics from Najeeb:

· Ascending and descending tracts

· Thalamus

· Brainstem

· CSF and ventricular system

· Meninges.

Histology:

Don’t be Na Laiq and do Laiq Hussain for this, it has a lot of extra information, but having a strong grasp and a thorough understanding of neuroglia and other connective structures takes one far ahead of the curve, especially because of its strong links to pathology.

Embryology:

The oft forgotten, sautela bhai of anatomy. This is high yield in terms of hydrocephalus, meningomyelocele, spina bifida and other congenital defects. The principal resource is a personal preference: Langmans, KLM. But the chart in Kaplan and lecture videos are sufficient.

Physiology:

This includes topics such as neuromuscular junction, synaptic transmission, neuroreceptors (ionotropic and metabotropic), conductive studies, repetitive stimulation, reflex arc, tactile, vibration, position senses and EEG. All these can be covered by reading Guyton, Ganong’s or Kaplan videos.

Biochemistry:

This discipline is relatively low yield, I am almost done with basic sciences and to this day apart from genetics, I still don’t understand how biochem fits into it all, it is weird and irrelevant. However, there are some higher yield topics such as CSF formation and absorption, neurotransmitters and biochemical basis of GBM (glioblastoma multiforme). Lecture videos were sufficient; however, First Aid tables do supplement it quite nicely.

Pathology:

This is a very high yield discipline especially for those interested in the neurosciences, or perhaps in becoming a neuro surgeon. Whilst Pathoma is the holy grail of everything patho related, one does feel like they are missing out on the pathophysiology of the diseases. So, go, walk to your table and pick up that heavy Robbins because we assure you reading it at least once, and annotating the important bits into Pathoma is worth every minute you spend on it.

In an alternate universe, where your legs fail to work and your cerebral cortex can’t take the massive information overload, watch osmosis videos, it’s the least you can do to make the pathophysiology stick. Otherwise, prepare yourself for a very uncomfortable viva where all you can remember saying is “ma’am I can’t recall that right now”

Pharmacology:

This is VERY VERY VERY VERY High yield and difficult to understand. Gone are the days of doing only the tables from Katzung, you have got to read the whole chapter, you just gotta do it ™. These drugs are often prescribed during clinics and you can’t possibly get away with doing the bare minimum for this one.

If you are feeling like a productivity guru go ahead and open Lippincott, but you and I both know, this will last only 5 mins, much like a lot of things in our life 😊.

So, in conclusion pick up Katzung and supplement it with lecture videos since there are sometimes a few drug classifications not mentioned in Katzung in the same chapter. Pro tip: write the drugs down in your notebook, color coordinate the drugs so you can recall it via photographic memory if all else fails. Getting beta?

The skinny on it:

If you are reading this a week before your cat/ modular exams, then sit down buddy. First, I want you to walk up to a mirror and stare at yourself, a long, stare of disappointment. Now, if you have tears at this point, wipe them away and sit.

Anatomy:

Since this is the most tested component on any neuroscience exam, I would recommend you pick up Kaplan’s neuroscience book and cover it with videos. Be sure to watch them because otherwise its difficult to fully grasp what is being said in the text.

Physiology:

Ninja nerd is your go-to for physiology only. Its summative videos with anatomy make for a very long playlist, one which you don’t have time for. Similarly, BRS physiology is a good resource.

Biochemistry:

In all honesty, one who is crunched on time will never choose Lippincott, covering the relevant topics from Kaplan even seem quite a stretch. I would suggest covering relevant topics and subheadings from Kaplan if one does not have time for full chapters.

Pathology:

Pathoma. Yes, that is it. You should count your lucky stars if you manage to recall all of Pathoma during your exam, because I know I can’t ☹

Pharmacology:

A lot of students swear by Kaplan pharmacology as well, but I personally have never tried it. Lecture videos on x2 will surely have you covered.

That's all guys! Hope you all find it useful and let us know if there are any more topics you want covered. Happy studying :)