This module will allow you to provide a thorough neurological examination should your patient present with weakness, altered sensation or pins and needles in their arms and/or legs.

We will look at disc herniations in detail (part of the online preparatory materials) and define radicular symptoms and radiculopathy so that you can understand the difference between the two terms.

Sciatica is a term often used in the physical therapy field but it is not a diagnosis - it is a symptom. To be able to determine the likely factors that are causing these symptoms you will have a thorough understanding of how to differentiate between different structures that may be causing the symptoms and signposting for your patient for the next course of action.

During the course we will focus on:

• Brachial plexus

• Lumbar/sacral plexus

• Cranial nerves

You will also learn how to use a patella (reflex) hammer, as well as specific muscle testing (myotomes) and various sensory tests (dermatomes)

Online Course (Preparatory)

• What does the nervous system do?

• Nervous and Endocrine system working together

• Organisation of the nervous system

• Central and peripheral nervous system

• Autonomic, Enteric and somatic systems

• Sympathetic and parasympathetic

• Functions of the Nervous system

• Histology of nervous tissue

• Motor Neurons

• Synapses

• Sensory Neurons

  • Meissner corpuscle

  • Pacinian

  • Merkel Disc

  • Ruffini

  • Free nerve ending

• Classification of a neuron

• Myelination

• Grey and White matter

• Classification of nerve fibres

  • A Fibres

  • B Fibres

  • C Fibres

• Neurotransmitters

• Spinal Cord Anatomy

• Spinal Tracts

• Brachial, Lumbar, Sacral Plexus

• Dermatomes

• Myotomes

• Embryology

• Reflexes

• How a stretch reflex works

• How a tendon reflex works

• How a withdrawal reflex works

• Babinski Reflex

• Cremaster Reflex

• Cranial Nerves

• Sciatica

• Radicular Vs Radiculopathy Vs refrred

• Understand the micro and macro neuroanatomy that contribute to the organisation of the nervous system

• Understand the components of a neurological assessment

• Demonstrate a thorough neurological examination

• Reflex testing for Biceps, Triceps, Brachioradialis, Patella and Achilles

• Myotome screen – Upper and Lower Extremity

• Dermatome Screen – Upper and lower extremity including: Light Touch, Sharp touch, Vibration sense and temperature sense

• Spurlings test, Adsons Test, Babinski Test, SLR, Slump, Tension Tests: Femoral Nerve, Median Nerve, Ulna Nerve, Radial Nerve

• Demonstrate an understanding of potential red flags and the importance of urgent medical referral (VBI and Cauda Equina)

• Demonstrate how to conduct a cranial nerve assessment

3 Parts -

• Part a) Pre-course worksheet

• Part b) Peripheral Nerve assessment video

• Part c) Cranial Nerve assessment video

If you are completing the full diploma course you will also be expected to reflect on the content of this module throughout your 200 hours of clinical practice and how you have used the skills & communication from today with real life clients