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BMS329 Clinical Neurophysiology (8)

Abstract

BMS329 provides a theoretical basis and describes the practical application of clinical neurophysiological measurement. The subject examines peripheral neurophysiological measurement (EMG and nerve conduction studies) and central nervous system measurement using EEG and sensory evoked potentials. The subject relates the practical application of these techniques to their use in assessing nervous system function and provides opportunity to relate the Interpretation of clinical measurements to the pathophysiologic processes in relevant nervous system disorders.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
DistanceWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BMS329
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Biomedical Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

BMS130

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate a practical understanding of the methodology used in nerve conduction studies, EMG studies, sensory evoked potential studies and EEG, including the characteristics of electrodes, the placement of electrodes in various configurations or montages.
  • be able to relate the physiology of the the peripheral nerves and muscles to the signals recorded in nerve conduction studies and EMG.
  • be able to describe the rationale for performing nerve conduction and EMG studies
  • be able to provide interpretation of nerve conduction studies or EMG studies.
  • be able to describe the rationale for performing visual, brainstem auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials
  • be able to relate the signals in sensory evoked potential recordings to the neural generators in each system.
  • be able to provide interpretation of abnormalities in evoked potential studies.
  • be able to describe the features of the normal EEG including the distribution, frequencies and features of waveforms.
  • be able to relate the EEG correlates with the clinical classification of epileptiform activity
  • be able to explain the rationale behind techniques to induce epileptiform activity
  • be able to describe the features of the abnormal EEG in relevant disease states like epilepsy, or after traumatic injury.
  • be able to prepare protocols for conducting a clinical electrophysiological investigation
  • be able to prepare a report of a clinical electrophysiological investigation.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • Review of electrophysiology of neurons including membrane potential, action potentials and post-synaptic potentials.
  • Review of peripheral nervous systems physiology; the neuromuscular system sensory receptors and reflexes
  • Surface electrodes, electrode placement and configurations used in nerve conduction studies and EMG studies
  • Review of sensory pathways studied in evoked potential studies
  • Electrode configurations used in Sensory Evoked Potential studies, including Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs), Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEPs)
  • Review of CNS anatomy, and cognitive functions related to regions of the brain
  • Electrode placement for EEG studies and stimulation techniques
  • Analysis of the EEG including the location, frequency and amplitudes of waveforms recorded in EEG
  • EEG indicators of epilepsy, cerebrovascular accidents, tumours or lesions
  • EEG features of coma and death

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.