In this module we continue looking at hyperkinetic disorders and focus more on OCD, Tourette’s and Tic disorders. We will continue with the Brain Developmental Blueprint and the next stage of brain developmental assessments.

We will go through epidemiology, traditional diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols. We will also discuss Dr. Melillo’s approach of functional assessments and cutting-edge treatments. We will focus on the development of the vestibular system, starting with the otoliths and then the semicircular canals and the VOR, and we will focus on functional vestibular assessments. In this module, we will continue exploring and understanding the primary network responsible for all human behavior that connects the Prefrontal Cortex, the Basal Ganglia, the Cerebellum and the Thalamus, but this time we will focus on the Thalamus. We will review the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the Thalamus. We will discuss the role the Thalamus plays in connecting and synchronizing the hemispheres. We will also look at thalamo-cortical dysrhythm and how it relates to neurobehavioral symptoms. We will look at the brain from the perspective of muscle tone. We will get a deep understand of what muscle tone is and how it relates to brain development. We will also discuss asymmetry of muscle tone and we will use this as the basis of the hemispheric postural examination that will look at specific findings like head tilt, facial asymmetry, limb angulation, and muscle weakness patterns to help identify the level and the side of developmental imbalances. We will also start to look at the development of the autonomic system and discuss the Polyvagal Theory. This will also be discussed from and evolutionary perspective. The relationship between the autonomic and immune systems will also be discussed in detail. How this relates to autoimmune disorders that result in hyperkinetic disorders and symptoms will be discussed in the context of PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infection), PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PITANS (Pediatric Infection Triggered Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). Vestibular symptoms and motion sickness will be reviewed in detail and vestibular testing and rehabilitation exercises will be shown in practice. Again, the learner will assess their own vestibular development, as they continue with their own self exploration and functional neurological assessment. Specific intervention protocols will be given to address the deficits. At the end, as in all modules, the learner will see how the studied disorders may be treated also using the modern tools of the so called Digital Health (such as virtual reality, computer games, frequencies of sound and vibration and laser)