OCTH 642: Neuroscience for Occupational Therapy
Prerequisite: Successful completion of OCTH 630, 632 and 634 or permission of the
Chair
Credit Hours: (3)
Examines the gross anatomy and fundamental elements and processes of the nervous system,
from a clinician's perspective. Presents the neurological bases of pathological conditions
and neurorehabilitation practices.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
Topics include:
- Division of the nervous system
- Gross structures of the brain and spinal cord
- Neurons and action potentials
- Special sense receptors
- The vestibular system
- The autonomic nervous system
- The enteric nervous system
- Pain
- Peripheral nerve injury and regeneration
- Phantom limb phenomenon
- Spinal cord tracts, injury and disease
- Proprioception
- Disorders of muscle tone
- Motor functions and dysfunctions of the central nervous system
- Sensory and perceptual functions and dysfunctions of the central nervous system
- Motor and sensory roles of the thalamus and brainstem
- Right versus left brain functions and disorders
- Blood supply of the brain and cerebrovascular disorders
- Commonly used neurodiagnostic tests
- Neurotransmitters: The neurochemical basis of human behavior
- The effects of thermal modalities and electrical stimulation on function
- The neurological substrates of addiction
- Learning and memory
- The neurological substrates of emotion
- The aging brain
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Course material from readings and lectures will be illustrated using surface and cross-sectional
anatomical models of the brain, online radiographic resources, and videotaped case
studies. Students will independently investigate a neurological condition that affects
occupational performance, and present their findings to the group.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human
nervous system;
- Analyze the effects of neurological conditions and the aging brain, on the individual
and on occupational performance;
- Discuss the neurological substrates of pain, phantom limb phenomenon, muscle tone,
sensory and perceptual skills, addiction, emotion, learning and memory;
- Read and understand the results of selected neurodiagnostic tests;
- Explain the principles underlying the use of superficial thermal and mechanical modalities
as preparatory measures to improve occupational performance;
- Explain the principles underlying the use of deep thermal and electrotherapeutic modalities
as preparatory measures to improve occupational performance.
Assessment Measures
Objective and laboratory examinations, and a graded oral presentation, may be used
to assess the outcomes of the course.
Other Course Information
Review and Approval
February, 2009