AHPT 862: Clinical Medicine III
Prerequisites: AHPT 824, AHPT 830, or permission of the Department
Credit Hours: (3)
Clinical Medicine III provides an overview of pathological conditions affecting the
central and peripheral neurological systems. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of pathology,
recognition of clinical signs and symptoms as well as disease/disability related to
neuro-dysfunction. Students will reflect on neurological diagnoses presented in class
and have discussinos regarding implications on physical therapy practice. This course
prepares students for their second and third clinical experiences.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Course content may be presented by lecture, small-group cooperative learning, case
study analysis, expert presentations and written assignments.
Goals and Objectives of this Course
Will require students to:
1) Analyze and classify the etiologies, pathologies, diagnostic criteria and impairments of selected CNS disorders including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebellar disorders, extra pyramidal disorders (Parkinson's/ Huntington's);
2) Integrate the major impairment accompanying the above neurological conditions with their implication for functional outcomes;
3) Compare/contrast symptoms and PT management of patient with the above neurological diseases;
4) Appraise special communication techniques required for working with dementia, (e.g., body language, voice inflections, eye and touch contact, behavioral cue);
5) use critical thinking to anticipate impairments and functional limitations based on known pathology of neurological disease/ conditions taught in this class;
6) perform an assessment and develop a patient management plans for patients with neurologic disabilities using HCFA 700 forms and health care plans;
7) Utilize the "Guide" (e.g., the neuromuscular preferred practice pattern to locate primary and treatment diagnosis ICD-9-CM codes);
8) Write measurable and evidence-based goals in case-based patient care plan;
9) Write descriptive treatment in patient care plan that addresses the stated goals and includes treatment frequency;
10) Discuss the pathologenesis of meningitis and encephalitis and the potential neurological consequences;
11) Distinguish diagnoses of dementia, delirium, and depression and the neuropathological foundation for each;
12) State the components of a standard medical neurological examination;
13) Distinguish between genetic, familial, and developmental disorders;
14) Describe the genetic patterns that result in genetic disorders, their symptoms, and chance for transmission to offspring of chromosomal, gene, multifactorial and somatic cell genetic diseases;
15) Discuss the incidence and prevalence of seizures in childhood and adulthood;
16) Differentiate between the various classifications of seizures and know appropriate first aid response for each;
17) Analyze the disorder of cerebral palsy and its potential developmental impact across the lifespan; 18) Understand the underlying pathology of polio and describe the post-polio syndrome;
19) Identify the causes of commonly seen peripheral neuropathies ( Guillain-Barre, Myasthenia Gravis, Bells Palsy, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome);
20) Recognize the symptomology consistent with peripheral neuropathies and identify the correlated pathology (diabetic, alcoholic, focal and multifocal neuropathies);
21) Understand the general classification of neuromuscular disorders based on anatomic localization (Myasthenia Gravis and Post-Polio Syndrome);
22) Integrate the cancer pathology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of rehabilitation to assess suitability for oncology rehabilitation;
23) After examining a patient based on a case scenario, synthesize understanding of head injury neuropathology with evaluation (including the Glasgow Coma Scale and Rancho Los Amigos levels) and treatment approaches;
24) Recognize clinical signs indicating need for referral to a mental health provider for coping with chronic illness;
25) discuss the role of the lymphatic system and common lymphatic disorders;
26) Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of treatments for lymph edema including
compression, aquatic therapy, therapeutic exercise, pumps and current practice.
Assessment Measures
May include but not limited to:
Examinations and completion of a reflective written assignment.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
April 30, 2018
May 9, 2017
February 10, 2014
December 2, 2011