PHTY41120 Neurology Foundations

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module introduces the student to physiotherapy practice in neurology and develops skills in the assessment and early management of adult and paediatric disorders of the nervous system.
The module covers common pathological conditions of the central nervous system and their clinical manifestation. The neuroanatomy, dissection tutorials and applied physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems covered will allow students to comprehensively relate pathology in the central nervous system and reports of common investigations to the clinical presentations of neurological conditions in paediatric and adult populations, where relevant.
The module introduces the student to the required physiotherapy skills in the assessment and management of adult neurological disorders, adhering to infection control, safety standards, best practice guidelines. Basic exploration of the scientific evidence that underpins practice is provided. Early clinical reasoning skills and risk analysis, together with an understanding of the role of the multi-disciplinary team and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), will be developed to equip students with skills that help to formulate treatment programmes for a wide range of neurological conditions. Neurological pharmacology and electrotherapy / physical agents / orthotics / splinting relevant to neurological conditions are integrated into the module, in addition to more detailed examination of the role of exercise and physical activity in the management and prevention of neurological disorders. The use outcome measures to assess effectiveness of treatment; modify treatment where necessary and identify when referral to another discipline is indicated is addressed and common outcome measures in neurology physiotherapy practice are introduced.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Understand the theory underpinning neurological physiotherapy practice based on knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology.
2. Understand the pathology and clinical presentation of common neurological conditions.
3. Interpret basic investigations and demonstrate competency in the physiotherapy assessment of a patient with a neurological condition.
4. Analyse functional movements and body postures to help develop skills to facilitate optimal movement strategies
5. Understand and interpret relevant assessment and outcome measures used in neurological physiotherapy (e.g., Timed up and go test; Berg Balance test) as classified under body function and structure or activity limitation in the ICF
6. Understand safety considerations and the role of exercise and common aids and appliances in the management of neurological disease.
7. Recognise the role of the multidisciplinary team in the collaborative care of a patient with a neurological disorder in both acute and community care settings.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics covered include:
• Fundamentals in Neuroanatomy
Neurone 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

• Neuromuscular physiology
Muscle Spindles; Motor units; Nerve conduction; Peripheral nerves (motor, sensory, autonomic and mixed)
• Introduction to vestibular System
• Presentations in neurological cases
• Hypertonia & Hypotonia
• Aspects of Upper motor lesions (UMN) & Lower motor lesions (LMN)
• Classification in Neurology using the ICF

• Neurological investigations
CT, MRI, Carotid and cerebral angiography
• Neurological assessment
Range of movement, tone, strength, sensation, co-ordination and reflexes; Assessment normal and abnormal movement strategies; Assessment of functional movement; Assessment of balance; Gait assessment
• Common Outcome Measures in Neurology
Modified Ashworth Scale; Berg Balance scale; Functional reach; Timed up and go; 5 times sit to stand; 10MWT; box and block tests; 9 hole peg test
• Neurological Pathologies
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA); Parkinson’s disease (PD); Multiple Sclerosis

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Practical

22
Specified Learning Activities

6
Autonomous Student Learning

150
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A broad range of teaching and learning approaches will be employed to enable students to achieve the learning modules that include:

Lectures
Small group work
Practical skills
Case-based learning
Self-directed E-learning

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

You are eligible to take this module if you have registered to the Professional Masters in Physiotherapy programme


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Neurology (PHTY40900)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: One hour end of trimester written examination 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50
Practical Examination: end of trimester practical examination of assessment and handling skills in neurology practice 1 hour End of Trimester Exam n/a Graded Yes

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

How will my Feedback be Delivered? - Case- studies/ Formative quizzes & Self-assessment activities throughout module - Individual feedback to students post-assessment

Name Role
Assoc Professor Olive Lennon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Laura McMahon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Gráinne O'Donoghue Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Mary O'Mahoney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mrs Denise O'Callaghan Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Fri 14:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Fri 14:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 7, 10 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Mon 16:00 - 17:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 Mon 16:00 - 17:50
Autumn