NEURO FOR THE-NOT-SO-NEURO MINDED
The one-day seminar provides an overview of functional neuroanatomy and neuro assessment. Barb explains pertinent aspects of developmental neurology with clinical manifestations as the child develops. Examples include maternal viruses and cortical architecture (schizophrenia), the effects of the ZIKA virus in a critical period of fetal development, maternal conditions and the risk of autism, old paternal DNA and mental disorders—just to name a few. The functions of the cerebral cortex and relevant clinical conditions will be discussed—including seizure disorders, traumatic brain encephalopathy, tumors, and dementias (Alzheimer's dementia, Lewy Body dementia, B12 deficiency dementia, to name a few). The movement disorders associated with basal ganglia degeneration will be covered and will include Parkinson's disease, Lewy Body disease, Huntington's chorea, tardive dyskinesia, and Tourette's syndrome; fascinating new facts about cranial nerves will be discussed (just as you thought cranial nerves were boring and only the be memorized—the role of CN1 in neurodegenerative disease, the role of CNX in diabetes and Parkinson's disease for example); and finally, the assessment of the reflex arc and the clinical correlations. Other clinical entities to be discussed include MS and Guillain-Barre syndrome, as well as the role of the thyroid in brain health and dysfunction. Drugs will also be discussed, including anticonvulsants as well as a new "game changer" in the world of hallucinations and Lewy Body dementia. It's a great lecture for nurses who never "liked" neuro, nurses who are just entering the field of neurology, NPs who are working with neurology patients, and and seasoned neuro nurses—everyone learns some new tidbits as well as refreshing some old tidbits. Barb's amusing, entertaining, and educational pearls will make the day fly.