Pathophysiology of the Central Nervous System BHSC 3218

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the likely extent and nature of abnormalities of function, extent of disability/handicap, process of diagnosis, current understanding of pathophysiology, course, prognosis and treatment of a selected set of neurological disorders.
• Demonstrate an appreciation for, and a basic skill in, applying the systematic diagnostic approach of neurology.
• Demonstrate an awareness of how diagnostic electroneurophysiology fits into the larger picture of diagnosis and care of people affected with disorders of the CNS.
• Discuss the relationship between nervous system development and related disorders including genetic and chromosomal disorders, migration, segmentation, and neural tube defects, and neoplasia.
• Explain the pathophysiology and treatment of selected disorders of CNS protection, including head trauma, surgery, and infection, including integumentary infections, edema, hydrocephalus, encephalitis, meningitis, and abscess.
• Describe and apply normal gross and microscopic CNS structure and function to explain the initiation and spread of selected seizure patterns.
• Apply knowledge of seizure etiology and treatment, including the organization and function of synapses, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter pharmacology, and antiepileptic drugs, to clinical cases.
• Illustrate correlation between structure and function of CNS anatomy, physiology, and disorders of related structures including epilepsy, psychiatric, behavioural, degenerative, memory, coordination, and movement disorders.
• Describe the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the neurovascular system as it relates to cerebrovascular disease, anoxia, stroke, aneurism, vasculitis, and headache.
• Integrate knowledge of brain stem anatomy and physiology with disorders involving the brainstem, including disorders of consciousness, sleep, respiration, and autonomic control.

Effective as of Fall 2022