Back Module: S-N-R1

Introduction to Neurophysiology

Module information

Module details

Title
Introduction to Neurophysiology
Type
Rotation
Module code
S-N-R1
Credits
10
Phase
1
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will introduce trainees to the practices and principles of Clinical Scientists in Neurophysiology and the wider multidisciplinary team delivering care for patients.

Work-based content

Training activities

# Learning outcome Training activity Type Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Attend a Neurophysiology related multidisciplinary team meeting and reflect on the meeting

 Type OTA Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Shadow a Clinical Scientist in Neurophysiology and reflect on their role

 Type OTA Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Observe an EEG procedure and reflect on the process

 Type OTA Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Follow two of the following   patient pathways and reflect on the journey:

  • MS
  • Dementia
  • MND
  • Stroke
  • Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
 Type OTA Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 Training activities

Explore an innovation in Neurophysiology and reflect on the impact this will have on practice

 Type OTA Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 Training activities

Review the effect of a professional body standard and reflect on how it guides practice within Neurophysiology

 Type OTA Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Attend a ward round for one of the following areas and reflect on the process:

  • Neuromuscular
  • Sleep
  • Epilepsy surgery
  • Neurology
  • Paediatrics
 Type OTA Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Follow the patient pathway through epilepsy care for one of the following and reflect on the journey:

  • Paediatric epilepsy syndrome
  • Focal epilepsy
  • Generalised epilepsy
  • Non epileptic seizures
 Type OTA Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Observe an EMG procedure and reflect on the process

 Type OTA Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 Training activities

Observe an EP Procedure and reflect on the process

 Type OTA Action View

Assessments

Complete 1 Case-Based Discussion

Complete 1 DOPS or OCE

Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles

  • Measure amplitude and frequency on an alpha rhythm.
  • Apply electrodes/transducers to a patient under supervision.

Observed Communication Event Titles

  • Gather a patient history relevant to the specialty from a patient, patient representative, or member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
  • Present a patient history relevant to the specialty to a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
  • Explain the procedure to the patient in accordance with patient needs.

Learning outcomes

# Learning outcome
1

Explore the contribution of Neurophysiology to patient care.
2

Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary team in Neurophysiology.
3

Describe the working practices of Neurophysiology.
4

Examine the impact of innovation in Neurophysiology.
5

Review the effect of legislation in Neurophysiology.
6

Compare and contrast the practice of Neurophysiology with other specialties.

Clinical experiences

Activities

Information:

There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.

Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)

Important information

The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:

  1. Critically analyse the application of methods and equipment used for the routine neurophysiological assessment of patients with abnormal conditions affecting the nervous system.
  2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the electrogenesis of EEG and evoked potentials.
  3. Apply integrative understanding of the different stages of acquisition of an electrophysiological signal and the function of the different components that affect the signal characteristics.
  4. Evaluate the recording derivations, stimulus type, and basic recording parameters needed for recording of all modalities of evoked potentials.
  5. Identify and evaluate with reference to the correct nomenclature, the major components of multimodal evoked potentials.

Indicative content

  • Common diseases and disorders in the clinical neurophysiology practice: aetiology, pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis.
    • Epileptic and non-epileptic disorders
    • Vascular and tumoral diseases
    • Infectious, metabolic and toxic disorders
    • Degenerative and autoimmune diseases
  • Routine test procedures and equipment used in neurophysiology for assessment of neurological conditions.
    • EEG, EcoEEG and SEEG
    • EP and ERP
    • NCS and EMG
  • Instrumentation for clinical neurophysiological assessments.
    • Amplifiers, gain and calibration
    • CMRR
    • Filters
    • Analogic to digital convertors: sampling rate/frequency and aliasing
    • Averaging and triggers
    • Signal to noise ratio
    • Sensitivity, display speed/time resolution
    • Artifacts
  • The 10-20 international system for electrodes placement in EEG and its extension.
  • EEG theory.
  • Introduction to normal EEG recording standards.
  • Evoked potential theory. Modalities and classification systems. Recording standards.
    • Electroretinography: flash, pattern and multifocal
    • Visual evoked: full, central, half field and multifocal
    • Auditory evoked
    • Somatosensory evoked: upper/lower limb measurement
    • Motor evoked
    • Other EP classification systems: latency (short, middle, long), response properties (exogenous vs endogenous) and stimulation rate (transient vs steady-state)
  • Types of stimulators and electrodes used to obtain evoked potential.
    • Pattern; onset/offset: flash pattern and Ganzfeld
    • Click: chirp, tone and pips
    • Constant current: voltage and magnetic
  • Effects of medications on electrophysiological recordings and patient states

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title Action
Specialty code SPS2-3-22 Specialty title Neurophysiology [2022] Action View
Specialty code SPS1-3-22 Specialty title Respiratory & Sleep Science [2022] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-2-22 Specialty title Ophthalmic & Vision Science [2022] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-1-22 Specialty title Audiology [2022] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-1-23 Specialty title Audiology [2023] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-3-23 Specialty title Neurophysiology [2023] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-2-23 Specialty title Ophthalmic & Vision Science [2023] Action View
Specialty code SPS1-3-23 Specialty title Respiratory & Sleep Science [2023] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-1-24 Specialty title Audiology [2024] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-3-24 Specialty title Neurophysiology [2024] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-2-24 Specialty title Ophthalmic & Vision Science [2024] Action View
Specialty code SPS1-3-24 Specialty title Respiratory & Sleep Science [2024] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-3-25 Specialty title Neurophysiology: Intraoperative Neuromonitoring [2025] Action View
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