42810 - Neurophysiopathology 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, the student possesses the knowledge and ability to understand the fundamentals of clinical neurophysiology.

Course contents

The module aims to provide an introduction to the fundamentals and basic principles of clinical neurophysiology techniques:

1. Electroencephalography (EEG)

• Indications for EEG examination
• Neurophysiological basis of EEG
• EEG signal acquisition: dipole theory, the 10–20 electrode placement system, monopolar and bipolar montages, and average reference
• Normal EEG rhythms
• EEG activation procedures
• EEG artifacts
• Main EEG abnormalities

2. Polysomnography

• Physiological structure of sleep in adults
• Sleep stages
• Changes in autonomic parameters during sleep
• Indications for video polysomnography
• Acquisition of polysomnographic signals
• Principles of sleep staging
• Overnight cardiorespiratory monitoring
• Actigraphy recording

3. Evoked Potentials

• Neurophysiological basis of evoked potentials
• Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) and the sensory pathway
• Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) and the motor pathway
• Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) and the visual pathway
• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs) and the auditory pathway

4. Sensory and Motor Nerve Conduction Studies (Electroneurography) and Electromyography (EMG)

• Pathophysiology of the Peripheral Nervous System
• Indications for nerve conduction studies and electromyography
• Signal generation
• Main pathological findings

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended but not compulsory text: Clinical Electroencephalography, Oriano Mecarelli published in 2019 by Springer Nature Switzerland; ISBN 978-3-030-04572-2 ISBN 978-3-030-04573-9 (eBook);https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04573-9

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures supplemented by the viewing and discussion of video materials and recordings from clinical cases.

Assessment methods

Learning will be assessed through an oral examination covering the topics of all four modules.

Assessment criteria:

18–19: knowledge limited to a small number of topics; acceptable presentation, but with limited independence;

20–24: limited but sufficient knowledge; appropriate use of language;

25–29: good preparation, critical analysis skills, and command of the relevant terminology;

30–30 with honours: comprehensive preparation, ability to independently integrate and elaborate on the subject matter, and clear and precise argumentation.

The final grade for the integrated course will be calculated by taking into account the university credits assigned to each of the four modules (weighted average). Each module is considered passed with a grade of at least 18/30.

Students with specific learning disorders and temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the dedicated office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that appropriate compensatory measures can be agreed upon. The request must be submitted to the lecturer in advance (15 days before the examination date). The lecturer will assess the suitability of the proposed measures in light of the course learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Lectures are delivered with the support of PowerPoint presentations.
Teaching material is provided to students as course handouts and includes scientific articles published on the topics covered, in addition to the slides.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Calandra Buonaura