Description
SAVC and AVNAT Approved Course
This flexi CPD course is aimed at vet nurses and vet technicians in general practice and is available on-demand with unlimited lifetime access. Each module consists of a tutorial, quiz and further reading articles
This course is designed for veterinary nurses who have been working with neurology patients and are looking to advance their current knowledge, those who work in referral practices and those who are working towards advanced qualifications.
Each module we will be delving deeper into the diseases that affect our neurological patients, going through presentation, diagnosis, treatment and the vital role we can play in the management and recovery of these interesting and rewarding patients.
Module 1
The Neurological Exam
- Mentation
- Posture and gait
- Postural reactions
- Cranial nerve evaluation
- Spinal reflexes
- Palpation
- Localisation
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Recognise the rationale for performing a neurological examination
- Accurately perform a detailed neurological examination and determine if the case is neurological
- Understand the findings of the neurological examination and how that leads to the localisation of the lesions
Module 2
Emergency Triage
- Initial patient triage
- Head trauma management
- Acute spinal cord injury management
- Emergency seizure management
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand how to triage and assess neurological emergency patients
- Recognise abnormalities and signs of raised intracranial pressure
- Assess and manage spinal trauma patients
- Know what to prepare and how to manage an emergency seizure patient
Module 3
Intracranial Disease
- Brain neuroanatomy
- Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO)
- Hydrocephalus
- Neoplasia
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand detailed neuroanatomy of the brain
- Discuss the clinical signs of hydrocephalus and be able to manage patients with this presentation
- Know the presentation, diagnosis, management and outcome of patients with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin
- Discuss obscure case presentations for brain disease and how to treat and manage these
Module 4
Spinal Cord Injury
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
- Surgical vs medical management
- Vertebral abnormalities
- Nursing management
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Know and understand the common causes of spinal cord injury and demonstrate an awareness of diagnostic and management options
- Discuss the surgical options available to spinal patients
- Understand why medial management is an option for some patients
- Know the nursing management required for spinal patients
Module 5
Neuromuscular Disease
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Polyradiculoneuritis
- Myositis
- Complications and risks
- Nursing care
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Understand the cause, presentation, diagnostics and treatment for the most common neuromuscular presentations
- Describe the complications and risks associated with each of the diseases
- Know the nursing care required for each of the discussed neuromuscular diseases
Module 6
Nursing Care for Neurological Patients
- Bladder and faecal management
- Skin care
- Exercise considerations
- Handling techniques
- Physiotherapy
- General nursing care for hospitalised patients
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Describe bladder management techniques and how to manage overflow incontinence and faecal incontinence
- Appropriately handle and move neurological patients with a range of conditions
- Understand the most appropriate exercise techniques and aids to use with different patients
- Discuss physiotherapy techniques and when one may be used over another
- Advise and help owners with long term home care plans
- Combine knowledge from each of the previous lectures to be able to successfully create care plans for a variety of neurological conditions
The course will be available immediately following purchase, with unlimited lifetime access and will provide a total of:
12 hours of CPD (UK)
12 points (Australia and New Zealand)
12 points (South Africa – SAVC Accreditation Number AC/2529/25)
Release date: June 2025
Rebekah M –
This course gave me a deeper understanding on neurological diseases that i see at the referral hospital where i work. This course was very easy to navigate and at times where i had to understand more the reading articles after each lecture just gave it that more enhanced opportunity to understand more. I thoroughly enjoyed this course as i have a keen interest in neurology and it has ignited my passion into being able to provide the most appropriate and best type of care towards my patients. Highly recommend.
Rated: Advanced level
(Qualified RVN in general practice <5 years - UK)