AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will have to understand the theoretical and practical bases for the use of techniques for the neurophysiological study of the central and peripheral nervous system, with the exclusion of electroencephalography (treated separately). The notions that will be acquired will be preparatory to the teachings of ‘Electroneurography’ and ‘Evoked Potential’ where students will have to learn to apply the techniques.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be given face-to-face, possibly supplemented by practical demonstrations in small groups.

Students with documented Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) or special needs must contact the lecturer and the dedicated DSA Representative in the Department before the start of the lessons in order to agree on the specific teaching methods and ensure the correct achievement of the learning objectives and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The following topics will be covered within the module:

- Basic electricity and electronics concepts
- Bioelectric signal recording (near-field, far-field and conducted volume potentials)
- Nerve tissue excitability (chronaxis, rheobase, intensity/duration curve)
- Electroneurography (CMAP, SAP)
- Electroneurography (conduction block, innervation abnormalities, artefact handling, phase cancellation, collision techniques)
- Reflex responses (F, H, A, T, C, blink, silent period)
- Repetitive stimulation
- Electromyography (insertional activity, pathological spontaneous activity, repetitive discharges)
- Electromyography (motor unit potentials, recruitment)
- Visual evoked potentials and electroretinography
- Acoustic and vestibular evoked potentials
- Somatosensory and trigeminal evoked potentials
- Event-related, laser and nociceptive stimulus evoked potentials
- Motor evoked potentials and transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Neurophysiology of the pelvic floor
- Neurophysiology of the autonomic nervous system (HRV, SSR, etc.)
- Neurophysiological assessment protocols for the main neurological pathologies

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Aminoff's Electrodiagnosis in Clinical Neurology (6a edizione, 2012)

Kimura - Electrodiagnosis in diseases of nerve and muscle principles and practice (4a edizione, 2014)

Preston-Shapiro - Electromyography and Neuromuscular Disorders: Clinical-Electrophysiologic-Ultrasound Correlations (4a edizione, 2021)

Oscar H Hernandez Vazquez - ELEMENTI DI BASE DELLA NEUROFISIOLOGIA: Come funzionano i neuroni

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

In October, according to the calendar published online.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination.

During the examination, the university’s guidelines regarding the assessment of students with learning difficulties or other special educational needs will be followed. (e.g. extra time for written examinations; the use of mind maps, which must be submitted to the lecturers for approval at least one week before the examination date).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

A basic understanding of the subject matter is required in order for the exam to be considered satisfactory.