Neurology Essentials Overview

General History and Physical Exam

• Components of a general history and physical exam for neurological assessment are crucial.

Neurological Diagnoses

• Various neurologic diagnoses can be acute or chronic. Examples include specific diseases.

Neuroanatomy Overview

Neuroembryology Stages

• Stages of neuroembryology and the developmental processes during each stage are essential for understanding brain structure and function. Key features include specific neural tube development events at each stage.

Embryologic Areas of CNS

• Specific regions of the developing CNS contribute to distinct brain areas.

Neurotransmitters

• Neurotransmitters are categorized as excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory, based on their effects on neuronal signaling. Specific examples of each type, their functions, and their roles in clinical contexts are important.

Autonomic Nervous System

• The divisions of the autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, and their separate roles must be known. Understanding the functions associated with each is critical.

Cerebral Hemisphere Lobes

• Function of each cerebral hemisphere lobe (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) and their contributions to overall brain function and common clinical deficits.

Brodmann Areas

• Brodmann areas, their functions, locations within the lobes, and clinical presentations associated with damage.

Neocortex Layers

• Layers of the neocortex and their interconnected functions. Key connections between layers are also vital.

Neurological Exam

• Key components of a neurologic exam including those used for screening and comprehensive assessments. Clinical examples of testing and what they identify are crucial.

Neuroradiology

• Imaging techniques (CT, MRI, angiography, Doppler) and their uses in evaluating the nervous system.

• Image interpretation – identifying image types (sagittal, axial, coronal), distinguishing CT from MRI, and identifying specific brain structures.

Cranium, Ventricles, Meninges

• Layers of meninges and spaces protecting and surrounding the brain. Contents of the different spaces are key.

• CSF flow and associated cisterns are crucial for understanding brain fluid dynamics. Ventricular location and function are important.

• The blood-brain barrier's function and its exceptions - regions with reduced barrier.

• Classification of brain herniations and clinical presentation.

• Differences between mild and severe TBI (Traumatic brain injury).

• Intracranial hemorrhages: location, causes, clinical features, and imaging presentation. Examples of each type are critical.

• Approaches in craniotomies (surgical procedures).

• Causes, signs, and symptoms of disorders like hydrocephalus, brain tumors, and infections. Causes and effects of these diseases are vital.

Cerebral Hemispheres and Vascular Supply

• Arteries supplying the brain: location, pathways, branches, supplied areas, and clinical presentations of lesions

• Identify clinical symptoms associated with specific artery lesions.

• Interpretation of clinical presentations to identify the lesioned artery.

• Venous drainage of the brain and major sinuses: details of this system are crucial.

• Common clinical presentation differences in right vs. left CVA (stroke) related to lateralization of function.

• Watershed infarcts and their clinical presentation.

• Causes of stroke types (ischemic, hemorrhagic, TIA, etc.). Understanding causes is necessary to understand appropriate treatment approaches.

Neuroplasticity

• Cellular mechanisms of neuroplasticity.

• Neuroplasticity related to neural activity.

• Key points from articles on neuroplasticity and the role of brain plasticity.