Laurea Magistrale in Medicina e Chirurgia - sede di Torino

The course provides a systematic description of the primary neurological manifestations of internal medicine diseases and aims provides students interested in different medical specialties with the necessary tools to identify and correct several metabolic/toxic conditions and organ pathologies that can manifest with neurological symptoms.

By the end of the course the student will:
- Recognize the main pathological mechanisms through which the dysfunction of other systems/organs can damage the central and peripheral nervous system
- Recognize the main neurological syndromes associated with medical diseases (e.g. encephalopathies, neuropathies, ..)
- Identify the underlying medical conditions that may manifest with neurological symptoms
- Develop the ability to investigate, requesting the proper medical exams, the possible conditions underlying the symptomatology
- Identify possible modifiable pharmacological/toxic causes of neurological symptoms

1. Introduction to the neurological complications of internal medicine diseases

a. Introduction to CNS and PNS damage mechanisms

i. Hypoxia
ii. Inflammation
iii. Electrolyte / metabolic changes
iv. Toxicity

b. Definition of the main neurological syndromes

i. Encephalopathies
ii. Neuropathies
iii. Other syndromes

2. Internal medicine diseases and associated neurological syndromes - part 1

a. Pulmonary / heart diseases

i. Hypoxia / hypercapnia
ii. Neurological complications of cardiac arrest

b. Gastrointestinal diseases

i. Liver disease
ii. Nutritional disorders

c. Kidney diseases and electrolyte imbalance

i. Kidney disease
ii. Electrolyte disorders

3. Internal medicine diseases and associated neurological syndromes - part 2

a. Endocrinological diseases

i. Diabetes mellitus
ii. Thyroid diseases
iii. Other hormonal diseases

b. Haematological and neoplastic diseases

i. Neurological manifestations of hematological diseases
ii. Paraneoplastic syndromes
iii. Complications from metastases
iv. Complications of CT and RT

c. Toxics and environmental exposure

i. Drugs
ii. Alcohol
iii. Thermal trauma
iv. (infectious diseases)
v. Neurological complications in patients in demanding care areas

4. From symptom to cause

a. Alterations of the state of consciousness
b. Tremors / fasciculations / cramps
c. Dizziness
d. Headache
e. Paresthesia / other neuropathic symptoms