Neurology Basics for SLPs and Audiologists

Chapter 1: Learning Objective Summary

  • Neurology: study of nervous system anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
  • Neuroanatomy: study of nervous system structure.
  • Neurophysiology: study of nervous system function.
  • Neuropathology: study of disease processes affecting nervous system anatomy and physiology.
  • Knowing terminology helps SLPs and Audiologists decode neurologists' language.
  • Location of brain damage aids assessment and planning.
  • Neurological etiologies help predict patient problems.
  • Neurology knowledge assists in documenting patient improvement and treatment efficacy.
  • Understanding neuroplasticity informs treatment planning.
  • Working knowledge of neurology gains respect from medical professionals.
  • The learner will be able to draw and explain the spectrum of belief as to how the brain works:
    • Phrenology: brain works in bits and pieces.
    • Connectionism: brain is a series of interconnected centers.
    • Holism: brain works as an integrated whole.
  • Paul Broca: theorized language production localized to the left frontal lobe (based on patient Tan).

Chapter 2: Learning Objective Summary

  • The learner will be able to list and define anatomical orientation terms to navigate nervous system structures:
    • Sagittal Plane: cuts body/structure into left and right portions.
    • Coronal Plane: cuts body/structure into front and back portions.
    • Transverse Plane: cuts body/structure into top and bottom portions.
    • Superior (cranial): toward the head or a high position.
    • Inferior (caudal): toward the feet or a low position.
    • Anterior (ventral): toward the belly.
    • Posterior (dorsal): toward the back.
    • Medial: toward the midline.
    • Lateral: away from the midline.
    • Proximal: nearest a limb’s attachment.
    • Distal: farthest from a limb’s attachment.
    • Peripheral: toward the outer surface.
    • Central: toward the center.
    • Ipsilateral: same sided.
    • Contralateral: opposite sided.
    • Adduct: bringing structures together.
    • Abduct: moving structures apart.
    • Flexion: (definition not provided in source).
  • The learner will list and define structural and functional imaging techniques and list one reason why communication disorders professionals should know neuroimaging techniques:
    • Structural Imaging Techniques:
    • X-ray imaging (radiography): uses x-rays to view skull fractures, craniofacial abnormalities.
    • Computed tomography (CT): converts x-ray images into two- and three-dimensional images.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): uses magnets to create clearer images than CT.
    • Angiography: uses injected dye to view the vascular system.
    • Functional Imaging Techniques:
    • Positron emission tomography (PET): shows brain activity based on glucose metabolism.
    • Electroencephalography (EEG): measures neuronal electrical activity via scalp electrodes.
    • Reason for SLPs/Audiologists: They consume reports from these technologies in journal articles and patient charts.
  • Additional orientation notes (mnemonic context):
    • SAME: SENSORY - Senses; Afferent - ascending - Body to Brain; MOTOR - Movement; Efferent - descending - Brain to Body.

Chapter 4: Learning Objective Summary

  • The learner will define the following:
    • Molecule: 2 or more atoms held together by a chemical bond.
    • Cell: Fundamental unit of an organism.
    • Cell membrane: Regulates substances in/out of the cell.
    • Nucleus: Controls cell maintenance and new cell production.
    • Tissue: Groups of similar cells carrying out functions.
    • Organ: Various tissues carrying out functions.
    • System: Organs grouped to carry out functions.
  • The learner will list and briefly describe each nervous system cell:
    • Neuronal Cells:
    • Neuron: Cell transferring information via electrochemical process.
    • Glial Cells:
    • Astrocytes (CNS): Nourish neurons, maintain neuronal environment.
    • Oligodendroglia (CNS): Produce myelin for CNS axons.
    • Schwann Cells (PNS): Produce myelin for PNS axons.
    • Microglia (CNS): Defend nervous system structures.
    • Satellite (PNS): Nourish PNS neurons; function in neurotransmitter uptake.
  • The learner will accurately label the parts of a neuron and synapse (refer to visuals).
    • Neuron components: Dendrites, Nucleus, Cell body (soma), Axon, Myelin sheaths, Nodes of Ranvier.
  • The learner will list and briefly describe the steps in neuron function:
    • The loaded neuron (polarization): Neuron is in a polarized state due to chemical/electrical imbalances.
    • The firing neuron (depolarization): Neurotransmitters cause Na+ influx, erasing imbalances and generating an action potential.
    • The reloading of the neuron (repolarization): Molecular gates close; sodium-potassium pump re-establishes polarization.
    • The all-or-none principle: Neurons either fire or they do not.
    • The absolute refractory period: Time after firing when a neuron is unresponsive.
  • The learner will list and briefly describe select nervous system disorders involving nervous system cells:
    • Intellectual Disability: Subaverage intellectual functioning with adaptive behavior deficits affecting education.
    • Brain Tumors: Abnormal growths of nervous system cells.
    • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Motor neuron disease leading to weakness and paralysis.
    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Autoimmune damage to CNS myelin, impairing neuron communication.
    • Myasthenia Gravis: Progressive autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction, causing weakness.
    • Guillain-Barré syndrome: Rapid, progressive demyelinating PNS disease, usually improves.