Clinical Neurological Examination 2026

Clinical Neurological Examination 2026 is organized by Dutch Institute of Allied Health Care / Nederlands Paramedisch instituut (NPi) and will be held from Apr 21 - May 30, 2026 at Hotel Papendal, Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands.

Description
Many patients consult a (geriatric) physiotherapist with complaints that may have neurological significance; for example, headaches, dizziness, tingling in the arms and legs, sensory disturbances, and decreased muscle strength. Patients with neurodegenerative disorders or those who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident are also increasingly being referred to primary care for treatment via transmural networks. Many physiotherapists indicate that the clinical neurological examination of the patient is difficult, especially its interpretation and the consequences for movement. Many textbooks on clinical neurological examination are written for neurologists with the aim of localizing a lesion or establishing an etiological diagnosis. There are hardly any textbooks available that place the significance of the clinical neurological examination in the context of the patient's functioning. An educational interactive program has been developed to fill this gap. Sufficient reasons to sharpen the competencies of (geriatric) physiotherapists regarding clinical neurological examinations and to organize a practically oriented, interactive, and competency-based course that enables participants to adequately perform, systematize, and interpret clinical neurological examinations.

The course focuses on identifying the nature of disorders and dysfunctions of the nervous system, as well as the relationship between the two. You will acquire theoretical knowledge through self-study using the interactive website, which makes optimal use of modern communication and information technology. Interactive illustrations encourage you to explore and interpret the clinical findings. Video clips illustrate the various clinical presentations. Using case studies, you will formulate examination objectives, select and perform clinical tests, and interpret the clinical findings in relation to the patient's functioning.

The following topics will be covered during self-study and in the course:

•   general examination of patients with neurological disorders;
•   basic research into speech and language disorders;
•   clinical-neurological examination of the cranial nerves relevant for a (geriatric) physiotherapist;
•   clinical-neurological examination of the motor system;
•   clinical-neurological examination of the sensory system;
•   clinical-neurological examination of praxia, gnosia and body schema disorders.

This course is designed in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven).

Goal
After completing the course, you will master the clinical neurological tests relevant to (geriatric) physiotherapy. You will also be able to explain the implications of these test results for treatment.

Subgoals
After the course you will be able to:

• determine whether motor system disorders are neurogenic in nature, establish appropriate examination objectives, determine necessary physical tests, perform them practically and interpret them correctly.
• recognize the clinical symptoms of cerebellar dysfunction, determine the appropriate examination objectives, determine the necessary physical tests, perform them practically and interpret them correctly.
• recognize the clinical symptoms of balance dysfunction, determine the appropriate examination objectives, determine the necessary physical tests, perform them practically and interpret them correctly.
• recognize the clinical symptoms of sensory disturbances, determine the appropriate examination objectives, determine the necessary physical tests, perform them practically and interpret them correctly.
• recognize the clinical symptoms of related disorders in Parkinson's disease, determine the appropriate examination objectives, determine the necessary physical tests, perform them practically and interpret them correctly.
• recognize the clinical symptoms of praxia, gnosia, and body schema disorders and other cortical functional disorders, establish appropriate examination objectives, determine the necessary physical tests, perform them practically, and interpret them correctly.