Students with Learning Disabilities Medical Aspects Neurology and

Students with Learning Disabilities Medical Aspects

Neurology and Learning Disabilities • All learning occurs in the brain facilitated by the nervous system • Theory that minimal disorders or abnormalities in the nervous system result in learning problems • Neurology is the medical specialty that focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system

Central Nervous System • Basic unit is nerve cell or neuron • Each neuron has cell body, axon, and dendrites • Nerve impulses are conducted from one nerve cell to another across the synapse through the action of chemicals called neurotransmitters

The Brain • Three major parts – Brain stem • Oldest, most primitive part of the brain – Cerebellum • Receives and integrates sensory input to coordinate voluntary muscle system – Cerebrum • Largest part, controls conscious functioning of the nervous system

The Brain Stem • Medulla oblongata – Coordinates heart and respiration rates and other reflexive, life-sustaining operations • Pons – Associated with sensory input and motor outflow to the face • Midbrain – Controls eye movement, state of brain wakefulness and possibly attention • Diencephalon – Relay between brain stem and rest of brain, integrates all sensory systems except smell

Cerebrum • Right and left hemisphere connected by the corpus callosum • Each hemisphere has four major regions: temporal, frontal, parietal and occipital lobes • Surface of lobes is the cerebral cortex • Hemispheres appear to function cross laterally

Neurodiagnostic Technology • • • EEG BEAM CAT PET MRI

Etiological Perspectives • Acquired Trauma – Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal • Genetic/Hereditary Influences – Chromosomal abnormalities, twin studies • Environmental Influences – Exposure to substances • Biochemical Abnormalities – Imbalance in production of neurotransmitters

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • DSM-IV diagnosis • Suspected biochemical etiology, other theories emerging • Most common psychiatric syndrome in children • Overall population prevalence low, extremely high among children with learning disabilities • ADHD as Other Health Impairment under IDEA

Approaches to Treatment • • Stimulant medication Behavior management Content mastery classes Cooperative learning Peer tutoring Home-school coordination Specialized instruction

Pediatric Neurologist and Neurological Exam • Standard neurological exam includes: – Medical history – Current health status – Examination of cranial nerves – Test of body sensation – Motor skill assessment – Evaluation of deep tendon reflexes – Assessment of higher processes

Hearing • Sense of hearing is crucial for learning and language development • Otologist – Medical doctor specializing in care and prevention of damage to ear • Audiologist – Non-medical specialist who assesses extent of hearing loss and appropriate prosthetic devices

Vision • Classroom tasks rely heavily on eyesight • Ophthalmologist – Medical doctor specializing in care and cure of diseases related to the eye • Optometrist – Can prescribe lenses and treat functional aspects of vision