Neurology Block 2

Given symptoms, patient factors, and lab results, differentiate between major CNS infections and most likely causative organism (Clinical) For infectious agents, know their important features including route of infection and virulence factors (Microbiology) Explain the disease process underlying CNS infections(Pathology, see Dr. Krafts PowerPoint) Identify appropriate treatment for individuals with CNS infections (Pharmacology)

Given symptoms, age of patient, and lumbar puncture, predict the most likely micro-organism causing meningitis For infectious agents, know route of infection and virulence factors Explain the disease process underlying meningitis (Dr. Krafts PowerPoint) Identify appropriate treatment for individuals with meningitis

Compare and contrast a spinal nerve and a cranial nerve Be able to list the general functions of and the sites of “attachment” for the cranial nerves Understand the general layout of the cranial nerve nuclei in the brainstem and how it relates to the embryological development Be able to discuss (general) the role of the reticular formation and “pattern generators” in performing basic physiological functions Understand how cranial nerve information is processed in the CNS and how the nerves

Discuss the organization of the sensory and motor trigeminal nuclei in the brainstem • Compare and contrast how nociceptive, proprioceptive and tactile information from the face are centrally processed • Describe thalamic and cortical mechanisms that produce somatic sensation in trigeminal dermatomes • Understand the impact of pathway lesions on sensation in the face

1) distinguish between the three most common types of primary headache diagnoses based on pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical signs and symptoms 2) Identify potentially life threatening headaches based on clinical warning signs or symptoms 3) Compare and contrast the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and side effects of triptans (e.g., sumitriptan), ergot alkaloids (e.g., dihydroergotamine [DHE]) with respect to the treatment of migraine headache and 4) Describe the role of serot

Describe the ways in which drugs can relieve pain Compare and contrast the terms opioid, opiate and narcotic Discuss the advantages and disadvantages (limitations) of opioids and NSAIDs in terms of type and level of pain, adverse effects and drug dependence Describe and distinguish among the subtypes of opioid receptors Define the terms agonist, antagonist, mixed agonist-antagonist and partial agonist in terms of opioids and give examples of each type of drug List the advantages a