Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should:
1. Relate and integrate neuroanatomy and neurophysiology with nervous system function to examine how different lesions produce neuropathology's with distinct clinical features.
2. Discuss the neuropathology and clinical presentation of common neurological conditions, including Stroke (CVA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's Disease.
3. Demonstrate safe and effective neurological assessment, patient handling, and physiotherapy management, and understand the role of exercise and the multidisciplinary team in the care of neurological patients.
4. Evaluate assessment findings and relevant outcome measures, and apply clinical reasoning using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework.
5. Describe how the central nervous system can adapt following a lesion (neuroplasticity) and identify the principles behind the physiotherapy management of neurological patients.
6. Understand normal infant development and developmental milestones in paediatric neurology.
Indicative Module Content:
Neuroanatomy
Students will incorporate neuroanatomy (ANAT III) from Stage 1 to gain an understanding of the problems associated with neurological conditions (applied neuroanatomy).
Neuron types, glial tissue, grey & white matter of brain & spinal cord;
Meninges; Cerebrospinal Fluid & associated Ventricular system;
Cerebral lobes; Localisation of cerebral function in the various lobes; Sensory receptors motor areas & sensory cortex; Motor & Sensory homunculus;
Basal Ganglia; Internal capsule; Limbic system;
Cerebellum;
Brainstem Pons, Medulla;
Circulation of brain & spinal cord and blood supply cerebellum & cerebral hemispheres;
Spinal Cord (motor & sensory tracts);
Cranial nerves
Neurophysiology: Muscle Spindles; Motor units; Nerve conduction; Peripheral nerves (motor, sensory, autonomic and mixed)
Neurological assessment: Muscle tone, range of movement (ROM), strength, sensation, coordination and reflexes, Analysis of normal movement to enable students to assess abnormal movement patterns/strategies, Sitting and standing balance assessment, Gait assessment to identify possible gait abnormalities, Formulate a problem list and set goals for treatment
Common Outcome Measures in Neurological Rehabilitation: Modified Ashworth Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, Five Times Sit to Stand, 6 or 10MWT, box and block tests, 9 hole peg test
Introduction to Movement, Balance and Vestibular System
Muscle Tone - Normal, Hypertonia and Hypotonia
Neuropathology's: Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) commonly known as Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease. Neurological investigations - CT, MRI, Carotid and cerebral angiography. The interdisciplinary team
Introduction to Case studies using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) (WHO, 2001)
Neuroplasticity