Goals/Objectives

• Perform a history and physical with a detailed neurological exam appropriate to the patient’s symptoms and differential diagnosis
• Evaluate neurological imaging such as head CT, MRI, or spinal imaging
• Discuss the initial evaluation and management of traumatic brain injury
• Described clinical manifestations, diagnostic workup, conservative management and surgical indications for patient with spine disease or spinal cord injury
• Understand use of intracranial pressure monitoring systems
• Discuss seizure prophylaxis for brain injury patients

Description of Rotation

The Neurosurgery elective is a 2-week rotation designed to introduce you to the basic care of the neurosurgical patient and common conditions including neoplasms, closed head trauma, and spine surgery. Students will gain experience in clinic, on hospital rounds and in the operating room.

References/Materials

• Kaye. Essential Neurosurgery. Saunders
• Lippincott's Pocket Neuroanatomy
• Mark S. Greenberg's Handbook of Neurosurgery
• Congress of Neurological Surgeons Neurosurgery Survival Guide app (iOS and Android)

Evaluation Method

An oral examination and a written evaluation by the faculty preceptor.

Grade

• Honors: An exceptional performance which exceeds all course objectives
• High Pass: A performance which exceeds most course objectives
• Pass: A performance which meets the course objectives
• Fail: A performance which does not meet the course objectives