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Professor Eric Can’t Hear

By Alexis Lee, Diane Kim, Eric Sternlicht, Caroline H. Wilson

Professor Eric Can’t Hear


 

Abstract

This case study is based on a true story of a professor who had hearing and balance issues and was subsequently diagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). As learners label images, generate hypotheses, and think critically about Professor Eric’s diagnosis and surgery outcomes, they explore the anatomy and physiology of cranial nerves V–IX and topics related to myelination, brain meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid flow and blockage. This case was designed for a flipped classroom and includes a pre-class video reviewing key concepts. The in-class portion of the case begins with two large-class discussions, after which students are placed on one of four teams. Each team examines a different stage of Professor Eric’s treatment: presurgical planning, surgery, surgical complications, and his rehabilitation affected by the Covid-19 lockdown. Each team presents their findings to the class, and the class concludes by watching a video of Professor Eric discussing his progress a year after surgery. This case was developed for an upper-division neurophysiology course, but it may be suitable for advanced anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, or introductory neuroscience courses.

   

Date Posted

12/27/2021

Overview

Objectives

  • Identify the cranial nerves, especially the anatomy related to CNs V–IX.
  • Outline the anatomical relationship between CN VIII (the vestibulocochlear nerve), other cranial nerves, and the brainstem.
  • Summarize the anatomy and physiology of the hearing apparatus.
  • Explain the symptoms of tumors related to CN VIII.
  • Interpret basic medical imaging data related to cranial nerve and brainstem anatomy.
  • Recognize some medical complications from brain surgeries including hydrocephalus, use of intraventricular shunts, and cognitive deficits.

Keywords

Hearing; balance; cranial nerves; imaging; brain tumor; myelin; meninges; cerebrospinal fluid; CSF; brain ventricles; therapy; schwannoma; acoustic neuroma; Covid-19;

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Medicine (General)
Neuroscience
Nursing
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion, Flipped, Interrupted, Student Presentations

 

 

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