Daddy holding newborn baby's head in his hands

15 April - 17 May 2024 (Online)
Live online sessions: 24 April, 1 & 16 May 2024

Course details

  • Duration:  5 weeks
  • Live online sessions: 
    - 24 Apr 2024: 4.00 - 6.30pm
    - 1 May 2024: 4.00 - 6.30pm
    - 16 May 2024: 8.00 - 9.30am
  • Fees:
    - £495
  • Venue: Online
  • Contact us
Register or login

Neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition to the fetal and post-natal brain. This short course covers the basics of perinatal brain injury, with a particular focus on the tools and evidence used for diagnosis and prognostication such as neonatal neurological examination, brain MRI/MR spectroscopy, neonatal EEG and aEEG. You will learn how to interpret neonatal aEEG and you will understand the principles of brain MRI and spectroscopy, and become familiar with the indications for, and interpretation of, the various diagnostic imaging techniques.

We will focus on understanding neonatal encephalopathy disease pathophysiology, and how this has led to the development of specific therapies and the ongoing research and evaluation into future therapeutic intervention. Ethics of ongoing care and the psychological impact of brain injury/encephalopathy will be examined.

Topics covered will include:

  • Neonatal Encephalopathy
  • Brain MRI and MRS
  • Neuroprotection
  • Neurological examination
  • Neurodevelopment assessment principles
  • EEG and aEEg in neonates
  • Perinatal brain injury
  • Related ethical and psychological issues

The course is part of a range of short courses spread throughout the academic year which are available both to students who are enrolled on the MSc Applied Paediatrics course and as stand-alone CPD accredited programmes for all healthcare professionals.

More information

Learning outcomes

By the end of the short course you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate the neonate by the use of Neurological examination and neurodevelopmental assessment
  • Formulate an evidence-based diagnostic plan for an encephalopathic infant employing appropriate techniques and investigative modalities
  • Critique the process of the development of personalised medicine within neonatal neurology, developing the "bench to bedside translation.

Course structure & delivery

The course runs online over 5 consecutive weeks, and you are expected to conduct approximately 7 to 10 hours of self-directed study per week, depending on your pace of learning. This consists of weekly directed tasks that you can undertake at your own pace and timing, such as watching recorded lectures, assigned reading or reflection and forum work, but also may consist of group work online. There are also planned synchronous sessions during the course to discuss ideas, present group and individual work and to facilitate further learning.

Short course students will not be formally assessed on the course however, you will receive feedback for any submitted activities such as participation and contribution to group work and interactive sessions including a workshop within the course.

Evidence of sufficient participation will be required to obtain a course certificate.

Live online sessions

The course consists of several synchronous sessions on a video-conferencing platform in the following dates (UK time):

  • Wednesday, 24 April 2024: 4.00 - 6.30pm
  • Wednesday, 1 May 2024: 4.00 - 6.30pm
  • Thursday, 16 May 2024: 8.00 - 9.30am

A full timetable and access to course materials will be made available to registered participants prior to the start of the course.

Who should attend?

Who should attend?
This course will benefit paediatricians, GPs, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals involved in Child Health.

As the course is a multi-professional programme, students will develop an understanding of how their own individual behaviours, and those of the teams within which they work, can have a significant influence on the quality of care delivered.