The 4S Framework for Teaching CT Brain Interpretation to Novice Learners

Undergraduate medical students often have limited confidence when approaching neurology and neuroimaging, a challenge commonly described as neurophobia. Non-contrast CT brain interpretation is visually and cognitively demanding, yet students often encounter scans in acute care placements. This monograph proposes the 4S Framework-Symmetry, Shade, Sulci and Structures-as a simple visual scaffold for introductory CT brain teaching. The framework translates image review into four sequential questions and is accompanied here by teaching examples, session plans, assessment suggestions, pitfalls and safeguards. It is intended as educational scaffolding rather than a substitute for formal radiological interpretation.

[Table: see text].