One of the great challenges that behavioural neurologists and neuropsychologists face is integrating a seemingly random collection of signs and symptoms into a coherent and conceptually sound diagnosis of a disorder. The following case is a detailed description of neurological signs and symptoms presented by a patient in a neuropsychology clinic. Your task is to:
- Name and describe the signs, symptoms and potential syndrome(s) (see term paper tutorial for review).
- Determine cognitive domain(s) impacted and possible brain damage localization (be specific!). Also describe other areas of cognitive functioning that you think might be impacted based on cognitive neuroscience research. Describe other clinically relevant data you would like to obtain (e.g. neuroimaging, neuropsychological reports etc.).
- Provide potential diagnoses – list 2-3 possible diagnoses that you feel should be considered based on the facts of the case. Then narrow your reasoning down to what you feel is the most likely diagnosis.
Each of these aspects should be fully explained and justified based primarily on information provided in the course (including the lectures). In addition to the course materials, you should cite two (2) additional research papers related to your final diagnosis and that have informed your clinical decision-making process. HOWEVER, this is not intended as a research paper. I do not expect lengthy discussions on the etiologies (i.e., causes) nor an extensive bibliography. You may write 750 words for this assignment so your thoughts should be well reasoned and precisely stated. Superfluous writing and unfounded statements are STRONGLY discouraged.
It is important to remember that this term paper is NOT about training you as a neurologist. We are not concerned whether you identify a correct diagnosis. What we are looking for is a well-reasoned, logical approach to how you arrived at your answers to each of these questions, drawing from what we have learned in class.
This neurological case analysis is an opportunity to demonstrate that you are attaining an understanding of brain and behavior relationships. In this case study, we are using the tool of human neuropsychology to map deficits observed in the clinic to a specific site of brain damage (i.e., brain-behavior mapping). Then we are asking you to think more broadly about what might have happened to the brain, leading to the emergence of those deficits.