Strong recommendation for Neuroanatomy Through Clinical Cases. It packs a lot of information into a well-structured format, making it easier to understand the underlying pathology of many diseases as opposed to just memorizing walls of text.
Adam's and Victor is the neurology bible. Without a solid understanding about neuroanatomy you will struggle generating differential diagnosis. In terms of algorithms, I would know your institutions protocols for treating neurologic emergencies (e.g. status epilepticus, acute stroke, etc).
This one is nice, and doesn't break the bank.
Blumenfeld's neuroanatomy is a great book.
Its well written (which is a feat in the neurology field) and uses clinical cases to illustrate its concepts.
This was my textbook for neuroanatomy in medical school, and my residency used it as its neuroanatomical text.
Not necessarily just for those in neurology/neurosurgery, but for everybody in medicine, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Written by the neurosurgeon that was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. He is an excellent writer and it is a pretty quick read.
Interesting book is "Brain Storms the race to unlock the mystery of Parkinson's Disease" by Jon Palfreman
For years researchers didn't think there was a genetic link, but a family in Italy had 50% occurrence of Parkinson's Disease. Genetically the family had four genes that generated Alpha-synuclein. We need it to survive, but typically have only two genes.
When that protein, Alpha-synuclein, is misfolded it causes problems. So while genetics is possible, it is just one of many possible issues.
I have a very large family, yet only one with Parkinson's. We all seem to be highly driven, OCD and ADHD just being common to all of us. The great news is physical activity plays a huge role, so workout 3x a week is healthy!
Oh, with ADHD: Another great book I enjoyed. Deep Work by Cal Newport. I work as an Electronic Engineer, and need that block of time to sort things out. So I keep a rigid schedule, lets me get back to clients and still have time to think things through.
So eating right, exercise, and a good nights sleep are all key to keeping everything working.
Start with "Bear's Exploring the Brain" Book. It should be easy to understand for you as it is a basic neuroscience textbook
Obviously what you're doing isn't working, though your professor appears to be making the course awfully difficult. Perhaps you're using too many studying techniques & need to focus on 1-3 styles instead. I've changed the way I've studied numerous times, often depending on professors' styles. I've also learned that it can take a couple of tests to really learn how the professor tests. You also may just be a poor test taker & the only way to improve that is by taking more tests. You can ask your professor if he has old tests or recommended question banks (s/he may base his/her questions on these) which would give you more practice at questions. You can also see if your school has specific tutors or teaching assistants in the course.
If you're really spending 8 hours studying daily leading up to the test (frankly, I don't believe you), then you are doing something wrong & need to re-evaluate how you're studying (eg, efficiency, distractions, low yield topics, etc). No one here can tell you how to best study. That's trial & error by YOU.
Sometimes the class is just really hard & no matter what you do you won't crush it. Some professors purposefully do that. You just have to do your best & keep carrying on. At least your professor is aware of how much effort you put into it.
My study source is Anki. It's what >50% of medical students use. I still use it as a neurologist. You gain knowledge from creating cards & then being able to review them on the fly. It has a specific system to help you learn. There are add-ons that can help with learning as well.
You can try something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/048649084X/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_11ZNVARCWMHB6QQVMMSP
Also not that kids can sometimes be affected by their parent's health issues. Death and illness are universally scary, especially children. Consider getting him a therapist to give him a space to share his fears.
A 11-year old wanting to help their sick parent can be seen as cute in some ways, but its a lot of responsibility to share for someone still quite young. Make sure his interest is rooted in healthy curiosity and not in anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
There’s an app called Habitica for this! You create an RPG character and earn points and power ups by doing tasks you set for yourself: some repeat daily and others are your to-do list. You can also join friends to beat monsters! In pediatrics, so I’ve recommended this for patients with depression: add daily tasks like brushing your teeth and showering to give extra reward motivation for hygiene/self-care. And I totally haven’t used it myself too because it’s super addicting... Habitica: Gamefy your life
Blumenfield is a great book to read through during PGY2. It's also something you can dabble in during PGY1, but I would put all your energy into completing step 3 during your intern year. Otherwise, here are my recs:
Neuroanatomy textbook: Blumenfield Question-book for PGY2-4: Comprehensive Review in Clinical Neurology https://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Review-Clinical-Neurology-Multiple/dp/1496323297/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=cheng+ching+neurology&qid=1629257582&sr=8-3
So I used the Mass. Gen Handbook of Neurology and Pocket Neurology. Both of these books are quick references and you will need to build up your knowledge base from other sources but they are good for what they were intended for. Continuum is also a great source!
https://www.amazon.com/Massachusetts-General-Hospital-Handbook-Neurology/dp/0781751373
https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Neurology-Notebook-Brandon-Westover/dp/1496305531
All the best localizing out there!
Very pleased with this hammer. Weighted very top heavy with a solid yet comfortable rubber. Elicits a reflex response better than any other hammer I've used, including all the regulars. You do have to adjust your "scale" because of how well it elicits reflex.
Eelco F.M. Wijdicks (pronounced Vaydics) is probably the best recognized authority, but his books are pricey, although there are a few that are quite affordable . Here are two choices that won't break the bank. Best wishes. https://www.amazon.com/Neurocritical-Care-Michel-T-Torbey-ebook/dp/B07S9CZ9ZR/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=neurocritical+care&qid=1604788278&s=books&sr=1-6
Current pgy4.
I’m big into textbooks. Got this book linked below at the beginning of PGY 3 and loved it. Easy to go through and pretty good for building knowledge base. Would recommend it (programs sometimes give an educational fund for buying books or finding an online pdf somewhere haha)
https://www.amazon.com/CURRENT-Diagnosis-Treatment-Neurology-Current/dp/1259835316
I would suggest a Dejerine style hammer such as this:
In 20+ years of doing this, I have used them all; Tromner, Queens Square, Buck, tomahawk, folding, telescoping, etc. My favorite for a few years was a Queens Square hammer with a flexy long white plastic handle marked ‘Lioresal’ (old timers will recognize the name and maybe even the hammer).
The Dejerene gives a reliable solid blow, the rectangular shaped handle prevents twisting of the head on impact. Nowadays I won’t use anything else. My favorite is Miltex brand as it lasts forever (a la BIFL), but the above Amazon hammer should work fine.
I agree with others in avoiding unnecessary features such as sensory brushes, pins, etc. They’ll either just come loose in your pocket and get lost or get stuck in place.
Hope this helps.
Yep! They are 4 dollars cheaper on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/uni-ball-Retractable-Ultra-Micro-0-38mm/dp/B005HNZ5SW/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=uniball+207+ultra+micro&qid=1587171173&sr=8-1
I used this as a resident: MDF® Tromner Neurological Reflex Hammer with built-in brush for cutaneous and superficial responses - Light - HDP Handle - Black (MDF555P-11) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012NI68M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_76mIzbNKASKZQ
I carry less as am attending and use this: MDF® Babinski Telescoping 2.0 Neurological Reflex Hammer with built-in brush for cutaneous and superficial responses - Black (MDF535XT-11) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZF36R4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i8mIzbZFVSY64
This may be an option for a quick overview: