Gait disturbance
Recent AKT feedback specifically highlights difficulty recognising common gait disturbances. Revise Parkinsonian, ataxic, sensory, neuropathic and hemiplegic patterns.
MRCGP AKT neurology revision
Neurology is one of the strongest repeated AKT feedback signals. The exam often tests pattern recognition: gait, headache red flags, seizure type, focal neurology, urgency and when primary care should refer.
Quick answer
For AKT neurology, prioritise gait disturbance, headache red flags, first seizures, epilepsy medication principles, stroke and TIA recognition, Parkinson's disease, tremor, MS, neuropathy and urgent referral thresholds.
What to revise first
Headache red flags
Know thunderclap headache, meningism, papilloedema, new headache over 50, cancer history, focal neurology and pattern change that needs urgent action.
Seizures and epilepsy
Recognise first seizure pathways, focal versus generalised seizures, status epilepticus, driving advice and valproate restrictions.
Stroke and TIA
Focus on FAST symptoms, posterior circulation symptoms, urgent referral windows, AF-related stroke prevention and secondary prevention principles.
Movement disorders
Parkinson's diagnosis requires bradykinesia plus tremor or rigidity. Distinguish essential tremor, drug-induced parkinsonism and atypical features.
MS and neuro-inflammatory disease
Revise optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, symptoms separated in time and space, and when primary care should refer rather than diagnose.
Recent feedback signals
January 2026
The official report says neurology has been a frequent area of feedback, including each of the last four AKTs, with difficulty recognising gait disturbances.
October 2025
Recent feedback again highlighted important neurological presentations, reinforcing neurology as a repeated weak-area theme.
Revision priority
Neurology questions often reward pattern recognition: time course, focal signs, red flags, gait type and whether the presentation is urgent.
Red flags to recognise quickly
- Thunderclap headache or worst headache ever
- Headache with fever, neck stiffness or photophobia
- Papilloedema, new focal neurology or altered consciousness
- Suspected stroke, TIA or acute posterior circulation symptoms
- Status epilepticus or first seizure with high-risk features
- Rapidly progressive weakness or ascending weakness
AKT neurology FAQ
Is neurology high yield for the MRCGP AKT?
Yes. Recent RCGP feedback says neurology has been a frequent area of feedback, including each of the last four AKT sittings. Gait disturbance, important neurological presentations and pattern recognition are key areas to revise.
What neurology topics should I revise for the AKT?
Prioritise gait disturbance, headache red flags, seizures and epilepsy, stroke and TIA, Parkinson's disease, tremor, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, focal weakness and urgent referral thresholds.
How should I revise gait disturbance for the AKT?
Learn the pattern first: Parkinsonian gait, cerebellar ataxia, sensory ataxia, neuropathic gait, spastic or hemiplegic gait. Then practise linking the gait description to the likely diagnosis and urgency.
Are headache red flags tested in the AKT?
Yes. Headache questions commonly test whether you can identify urgent red flags such as thunderclap onset, meningism, papilloedema, focal neurology, new headache over 50 or a major change in headache pattern.
Official sources
This is revision guidance, not official RCGP advice. Check current RCGP, NICE CKS and BNF guidance for clinical decisions. Last reviewed June 2026.
October sitting
Oct 26
--
days
Keep moving, even on tired days.
Questions, mocks and explanations are free. Your first 2 hours of AKT audio are free. Full 4-month audio access is £79.