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 Cerebellum Cerebrum 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 Pons Midbrain Diencephalon 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