The goal of this clerkship is to impart the knowledge and skills required in the recognition, evaluation and management of common neurologic diseases.

Objective One – Patient Evaluation

  • Become competent in neurological history taking and examination
  • Be able to develop a succinct assessment and plan.

History Taking

  • Obtain a complete and reliable history for a patient with intact or altered level of consciousness or mental status.
  • Know the importance of pertinent history from family, caregivers, witnesses, etc. such as in patients with impaired sensorium, cognition, speech, or history of seizures.
  • Be able to recognize symptoms which may indicate neurologic disease.

Physical Examination

  • Perform both a complete and a problem-focused neurological examination as appropriate.
  • Be able to distinguish normal from abnormal findings on neurological examination.

Clinical Summary/Assessment

  • Provide a clear, concise, and thorough oral and written presentation leading to an anatomical localization and differential diagnosis.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of appropriate use and interpretation of common tests used in diagnosing neurologic disease.

Objective Two – Patient Management

Become familiar with the evaluation and management of common and emergent neurologic disorders.

  • Demonstrate an awareness of the principles underlying a systematic approach to the management of common neurologic diseases.
  • Recognize situations which may become neurologic emergencies.
  • Demonstrate an ability to review and interpret the medical literature.

Objective Three – Professionalism, Interaction, and Communication

Become competent in professional interaction and communication skills

  • Professionalism and multi-disciplinary interaction
    • Understand the role of multidisciplinary management of neurological disorders.
    • Be able to interact and communicate with other members of the patient care team as well as with patient family members.
  • Communications skills
    • Learn the importance of honest and compassionate communication with the patient and/or family in different situations, including end of life care discussions.