European School of Neuroradiology

The ESONR - European School of Neuroradiology - is the most important and complete training programme organized by the ESNR - European Society of Neuroradiology within the main frame, and in partnership with, the ESOR - European School of Radiology. The purpose of this training and education programme is based on the vision of what the ESNR considers the range of competences and skills that are the basis of a high qualified neuroradiological activity. The programme is designed to offer a pathway to reach such professional and cultural levels. The final points will be the examinations to be certificated at the different levels and in the different branches of this discipline.

Courses are organized at 3 different levels: 1st Level: ESOR - Galen Foundation Courses in Neuroradiology, 2nd level: ECNR - The European Course in Neuroradiology, Diagnostic and Interventional and finally 3rd level: advanced courses - ESNR Courses of Higher Qualification in Interventional Neuroradiology, Spine Neuroradiology, Advanced Diagnostic Neuroradiology, Pediatric Neuroradiology and Head & Neck Neuroradiology.

European Advanced Courses of Higher Qualification in

Interventional Neuroradiology (stroke and/or endovascular),
Spine Neuroradiology (diagnostic and/or interventional); Full Hands-on Spine Course
Advanced Diagnostic Neuroradiology,
Pediatric Neuroradiology,
Head & Neck Radiology

Goal of training programme

The primary goal of a training programme is to provide the trainee with a broad knowledge base, the necessary procedural skills and experience as well as professional judgement for independent interventional neuroradiology practice; a further goal is to teach him/her self-criticism, clinical assessment of his/her results, the ability to self-directed learning which will eventually lead to continued growth, expert practice and professionalism.

Definition and scope of interventional neuroradiology

Interventional neuroradiology (INR) is a medical speciality using interventional procedures for patients with diseases of the brain, sensory organs, head & neck, spinal cord, vertebral column and adjacent structures and the peripheral nervous system in adults and children. It represents a very important and difficult branch of neuroradiology characterized by the strong direct impact on patients and the high risks connected to interventional procedures.

The objectives of INR are to provide expert interventional treatment of all diseases in the anatomical areas mentioned above and in relation to other specialities in neuroscience.

Theoretical aspects are previously covered by a number of courses, such as the ECNR. However, practical training in diverse techniques, in particular catheter, has been provided either commercially, by device companies, or with personal guidance on patients. This “informal” education has to be formalized and controlled by the ESNR. Therefore, there is a need for ESNR-endorsed “hands on” courses, focused on the practical aspects of INR with lectures, simulator training and practice with animal models. The courses are intended to be dedicated to limited number of participants, practical and workshop-like.