The Neuroscience of Occupational Performance

Catalog description

The anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system are introduced with emphasis on understanding the neural basis of sensory processing, movement, emotion, and behavior, as well as the functional consequences of different types of lesions or dysfunction. Topics include neuroanatomy, development of the nervous system, function of central, peripheral, limbic, and autonomic nervous systems, motor control, sensation (vision, hearing, vestibular, somatosensation) and cognition and how lesions within these areas can interfere with occupational performance. Typical neurological pathologies and injuries will be discussed in regards to their relation to affected neurological structures and how they manifest into performance deficits of clients. Laboratory sessions are focused on exploring anatomical structures of the human brain and introducing neurological assessments used in occupational therapy practice.