1. Students with Learning Disabilities
Medical Aspects

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Neurodiagnostic Technology
EEG
BEAM
CAT
PET
MRI

8. 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

9. 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

10. Approaches to Treatment
Stimulant medication
Behavior management
Content mastery classes
Cooperative learning
Peer tutoring
Home-school coordination
Specialized instruction

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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