Survival Guide 🧭

The no-nonsense guide to your first weeks on a neurology ward or on call.

Start at the top if you are new. If you are on call right now, jump straight to the chapter you need.

How to use this

Each chapter is short on purpose. Read it once before you need it, then use it as a checklist when you do.

Chapters 📚

Core skills 🧰

  1. Building a neurological differential Tempo plus localisation gives you the syndrome; syndrome plus context gives you the differential.
  2. Localisation DraftWorking out where the lesion is from the history and examination.
  3. Stroke call DraftWhat to do, in order, from the phone call to the decision.
  4. How to read a stroke CT, CTA and CTP DraftA systematic read of the non-contrast CT, the angiogram and the perfusion maps.
  5. How to read an MRI head DraftWhich sequence shows what, and a systematic approach for the non-radiologist.
  6. How to do a lumbar puncture DraftConsent, contraindications, positioning, technique and what to send.
  7. How to interpret LP results DraftCells, protein, glucose, pressure and the special tests, with the patterns that matter.

Stroke 🧠

  1. Stroke work-up DraftWhich tests to order, when, and what each one changes.
  2. Stroke secondary prevention DraftAntiplatelets, anticoagulation, lipids, blood pressure, carotids and the lifestyle conversation.

Headache 🤕

  1. Headache DraftRed flags, the secondary causes you cannot miss, and a practical approach to the rest.
  2. Migraine DraftDiagnosis, acute treatment, prevention and the conversation about medication overuse.
  3. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension DraftRecognising it, confirming it, protecting vision and managing it long term.