84636 - Neuropathophysiology 6 (Introduction to ANS)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will have acquired the knowledge and understanding required to address the clinical aspects of the diagnostic application of polygraphy and other related methods.

Course contents

The integrated course is divided into four modules covering the following topics:

1. Pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system

- Please refer to the lecturer’s webpage

 

2. Neurophysiopathology 6 (Introduction to ANS)

- Role and function of the autonomic nervous system.

- Anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system.

- Autonomic control of the cardiovascular system.

- Autonomic control of micturition.

- Autonomic control of thermoregulation.

- Neurophysiology of the circadian rhythms of blood pressure, heart rate, core body temperature, and the sleep-wake cycle.

- Neurophysiological foundations of heart rate variability analysis.

 

3. Neurophysiopathology 6 (Clinical ANS)

- Classification of autonomic nervous system disorders and instrumental diagnostic assessment.

- Cardiovascular dysautonomia (differential diagnosis and treatment).

- Genitourinary dysautonomia (differential diagnosis and treatment).

- Disorders of thermoregulation.

- Autonomic control during sleep and sleep-related disorders.

- Classification and differential diagnosis of transient loss of consciousness.

- Syncope and its treatment.

 

4. Neuropathophysiology Techniques 8 (ANS)

- The autonomic laboratory.

- Interaction with the patient: collection of clinical information supporting the interpretation and performance of cardiovascular tests.

- Techniques and instruments for measuring and analysing heart rate and heart rate variability.

- Techniques and instruments for measuring and analysing blood pressure.

- Tests for the assessment of cardiovascular reflexes.

- Pathological response patterns of cardiovascular parameters during orthostatic testing. Clinical cases with videos and recordings.

- Instruments and techniques for monitoring circadian changes in autonomic parameters: heart rate, blood pressure, and core body temperature.

- Techniques for assessing thermoregulatory disorders: sweat testing.

- Techniques for recording the sympathetic skin response.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended but not compulsory text: Micieli, G., and Cortelli, P. Disfunzioni vegetative – Conoscerne, interpretarne e curarne le manifestazioni cliniche. 1st ed. Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore, 2022.

 

Reference text: Low, Phillip A., and Eduardo E. Benarroch. Clinical Autonomic Disorders. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008.

 

Additional study and reference material will be provided during the course in the form of slides and supplementary handouts.

Teaching methods

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

Practical demonstrations in the laboratory.

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.

Laboratory activities are carried out in the two autonomic nervous system laboratories.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Baldelli