Νευροεπιστήμες. Διασύνδεση βασικής έρευνας με κλινική εφαρμογή
First semester
A1: Gross, Applied Anatomy and Embryology of the Nervous System – 8 ECTS
Objective: The presentation of the macroscopic texture of the anatomical structures of the brain
and spinal cord, so that the graduate student becomes a correspondent of knowledge of those
structures that are involved in the manifestation of pathological conditions. In addition to the
study of cadaver brain and spinal cord preparations, the student will understand both the
morphology and the topographical-anatomical relationships of the individual structures of the
central nervous system. Further, the student becomes familiar with the microscopic texture of
the brain and spinal cord, their embryonic development, and the corresponding clinical
manifestations.
Learning results:
- Basic knowledge of the basic and topographical anatomy of the brain and spinal cord
- Recognition of the topographical anatomy of nervous system structures, as well as their
variations
- Understanding of histology, fetal development and malformations in the brain and spinal cord
- Understanding the macroscopic anatomical background of neurological diseases
- Bibliographic update
A2: Neurophysiology - Research methodology in neurosciences – 7 ECTS
Objective: The teaching and acquisition of neurophysiology knowledge mainly related to motor,
sensory mechanisms, visual, auditory and vestibular neurons circuits as well as
neurodegenerative, neurogenetic, neurophysiological and neuroimmunological disorders.
Further, the student's familiarity with the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological basis of
mental events, of behavioral and emotional models, speech mechanisms, learning, memory, the
mechanisms of behavior, the study of sleep-wake dipole, and the possible existence of sexual
dimorphism in various structures of the brain. In addition, the principles of research
methodology, the tools, the design, the completion of research protocols and the interpretation
of research results in neurosciences.
Learning results:
- Familiarity with knowledge related to motor, aesthetic, audio-visual and vestibular circuits
- Basic knowledge of the anatomical structures involved in cognitive functions
- Acquaintance of the graduate student with the manifestations that develops in patients with
dysfunction in the neuronal circuits of cognitive functions
- Acquiring knowledge on research methodology and its application in neurosciences
- Bibliographic update
A3: Neuro-psychopharmacology, Neurobiology and Neuro-pathology - 7 ECTS
Objective: The student will become familiar with concepts related to developmental
neurology, the possible toxic effect of pharmacological substances on the brain, the
neurotoxicity of addictive substances, the therapeutic action of drugs in neurological and
psychiatric conditions. The background of neurological diseases in genetic, molecular,
patho-anatomical, pathophysiological, topographic and imaging level with parallel
introduction of students in the mechanisms governing the most frequent neurological
diseases and situations is also presented.
Learning results:
- Knowledge of the effect of medicines on anatomical structures of the brain, the autonomic
nervous system and the neuromuscular synapse
- Basic knowledge and understanding of the interference of medical substances with neuronal
brain circuits involved in cognitive (mainly behavioral and mental) functions
- Acquisition of knowledge related to the neurotoxicity of addictive substances
- Acquiring knowledge in the processes that lead to the appearance of neurological diseases
and of mechanisms of pathogenesis
- Bibliographic update
A4: Diseases of the peripheral nervous system - 5 ECTS
Objective: To learn the anatomical compression-trapping positions of the peripheral
nerves, and conditions that cause peripheral nerve damage. Treatment of such
situations, especially the most significant ones, is also the aim of this section.
Learning results:
- Recognition of anatomical variations of the peripheral nerves associated with clinical
diseases
- Gaining knowledge about common as well as more rare entrapment diseases of the
peripheral nerves
- Basic knowledge of situations that cause structural and functional disorders of the
peripheral nerve integrity
- Bibliographic update
Second semester
B1: Clinical Neurology - Neuroimaging - 7 ECTS
Objective: To teach the clinical spectrum of diseases of the nervous system. Comprehensive
knowledge is provided at a theoretical and practical level on the evaluation of the nervous
system, in the clinical approach and in treatment of pathological conditions, namely headache,
syncopal episodes, dementia, vertigo, neuralgia, vascular diseases, motor neuron diseases,
neuropathies, myopathies, demyelinating diseases, neurodegenerative lesions, tumors, etc.. In
addition, to provide knowledge about the radiological principles and approach to diseases of
the brain and spine. Except for the conventional neuroradiological examinations, i.e. Computed
Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), this class also addresses more
specialized imaging, such as CT angiography, computed tomography diffusion-perfusion,
positron emission tomography, diffuse tensor imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Learning results:
- Obtain a complete neurological history
- Perform a thorough neurological examination and interpret findings
- Clinical differential diagnosis of neurological conditions
- Ability to recognize neuroradiological examinations
- Ability to read and interpret basic neuroimaging findings
- Knowledge of conservative therapeutic possibilities in diseases of the nervous system
- Bibliographic update
B2: Applied Clinical Neurophysiology – 3 ECTS
Objective: Teaching the basic principles of neurophysiology and their clinical application.
The role and utility of neurophysiological methods in the investigation of the nervous
system is analyzed in conditions such as brain tumours and spinal cord diseases, stroke,
epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, degenerative diseases of the spinal
cord, brain injuries and spine, cranial nerve diseases, peripheral neuropathies. Special
emphasis is placed on the indications as well as the description and the intraoperative
application of neurophysiological testing.
Learning results:
- Acquisition of basic and practical knowledge of neurophysiology
- Understanding the indications for the application of neurophysiological methods in the
investigation of nervous system conditions
- Interpretation of neurophysiological tests
- Evaluation of the utility of intraoperative neuromonitoring
- Bibliographic update
B3: Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences – 4 ECTS
Objective: To introduce the students to the basic principles and possibilities of Clinical
Psychiatry. In addition, the psychiatric involvement in neurological diseases is analyzed, as well
as the neurological factor in psychiatric diseases through analytical teaching. Specifically,
reference is made to psychiatric assessment, correlation and treatment symptoms evidenced
by patients with neurological diseases, such as strokes seizures, brain injuries, neurological
disorders, multiple sclerosis and others demyelinating lesions, headache, Parkinson's disease,
encephalitis and tumors brain, but also on the association - interaction of neurological
elements in psychiatric diseases.
Learning results:
- Acquisition of basic knowledge of clinical psychiatry
- Understanding the relationship between psychiatry and neurology
- Evaluation of the therapeutic possibilities of psychiatry in neurological diseases
- Defining the boundaries of psychiatry in clinical neurosciences
- Bibliographic update
B4: Neurointensive Care - Neuroanesthesiology - 3 ECTS
Objective: To provide the necessary principles and knowledge on neurointensive care and
neuroanaesthesiology, as well as the connection of the above with neurosciences. In this
section, the management of diseases of the nervous system is taught, surgical and
non-surgical, in cases where neurointensive care is needed. The student is also introduced
to the part of neuroanesthesia and the individual parameters governing it during
neurosurgical operations.
Learning results:
- Acquisition of basic knowledge of neuropathophysiology and neuroprotection in the
critically ill patient
- Identification of neurological conditions that require hospitalization in the Intensive Care
Unit Treatment
- Familiarity with neuromonitoring methods and treatment approach to critical diseases
of the nervous system
- Learning the basic principles of neurosurgical anesthesia and the specialist approach to
specific types of neurosurgery.
- Bibliographic update
B5: Neurosurgery: Critical approach and current perspectives - 5 ECTS
Objective: The delivery of basic and specialized teaching on the main elements and
features that deal with neurosurgery. This module focuses primarily on the critical
presentation and analysis of contemporary neurosurgery at the diagnostic and
therapeutic level. Additionally, besides a historical review of the neurosurgery’s
landmarks, special reference is also made to the perspectives of the specialty.
Learning results:
- Familiarity with neurosurgery
- Gaining knowledge on the neurosurgical approach to diseases of the brain and spine
- Understand the basic therapeutic capabilities of neurosurgery
- Familiarity with the developments and perspectives of neurosurgery
- Bibliographic update
B6: Minimally invasive interventions in the nervous system – Neurobiotechnology - 5 ECTS
Objective: To acquire knowledge on the minimally invasive approach to diseases of the nervous
system. Description of the indications, technique and results from the application of less
traumatic surgical methods, such as endovascular interventions, endoscopy, percutaneous
surgery, brain and spine surgery through a less invasive approach. Teaching also focuses on the
future of neurosciences, as it is expected to be configured with the increasingly broader
application of biomechanics, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, nanotechnology, artificial
intelligence, and computer science.
Learning results:
- Acquisition of basic knowledge on less traumatic invasive techniques in the skull and in the
spine
- Clarification of the indications for the application of minimally invasive surgery
- Gaining knowledge on the application of biotechnology in neurosciences
- Critical assessment of the utility's potential and the risks from the use of neurobiotechnology
- Bibliographic update
Practical Exercise – 3 ECTS
Objective – Learning outcomes:
The application and training at a practical level of the theoretical knowledge that is taught in
courses of the second Semester through cadaveric, experimental models. Also, discussion of
clinical cases is taking place.