Neurology – Step 2 Study Guide

Similarly to other shelf exams, I used the basic text + OME + UW formula for the Neurology Shelf.

Best Books for the Neurology Shelf

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What I liked about Blueprints is that it gave a fairly comprehensive overview (that helped me understand the pathology) but it was still fairly easy to read through during my off time on a light week. A strength of this text is that is helps differentiate multiple between multiple pathologies.

It gave me a great foundation before I started inpatient neurology as well. Reading through the “Neurological Exam” section the night before starting was particularly helpful because it not only gives a step-by-step overview of the mechanics of the neuro exam but common pathologies each component can help evaluate.

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Neurology PreTest: As there are a limited number of neurology questions in UW, Pretest is one of the best substitutes for additional UW questions to reinforce concepts and fill in some holes.

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Case Files Neurology I found this helpful to read cases similar to my clerkship patients.

Other Resources for the Neurology Shelf

OnlineMedEd

I found Neuro section to be one of the strengths of OME and going through the Neuro section before you start UW will help with questions.

UWorld

In addition to neuro questions, if you have time it is worthwhile to learn from the optho questions as well as these are also fair game for the shelf.

Bonus!:
MDF Tromner Reflex Hammer

This reflex hammer is heavy enough that you don’t have to try too hard to elicit reflexes but it’s not too heavy to be a pain to carry.