Neurophysiopathology Techniques

Code: 11757
Coordinator: Lucio Marinelli
Coordinator of Technical-Practical Teaching and Internship: Francesco Famà

The Neurophysiopathology Technician (TNFP) is a healthcare professional registered in the appropriate register or special transitional list of the relevant Professional Order. This professional carries out activities of public interest, as defined in their professional profile and the curricula of related degree courses. Their work focuses on the study of central and peripheral nervous system disorders for both clinical-diagnostic and research purposes, using diagnostic techniques and methods that record, monitor, and analyse brain function, with the aim of ensuring timely and effective therapeutic treatment of pathological conditions.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Neurophysiopathology Techniques qualifies graduates to practice as Neurophysiopathology Technicians and has a duration of three years.

Learning Objectives and Career Opportunities

Graduates in Neurophysiopathology Techniques operate independently in selecting the methods and techniques for their activities and are therefore responsible for their application, evaluation, and interpretation. Upon request, they may issue technical reports. The learning objectives of the course directly reflect the professional profile, diagnostic techniques, and areas of intervention within a multidisciplinary team, and relate in particular to the recording, monitoring, and analysis of:

  • Electrical activity from the brain, spinal cord, cranial and peripheral nerves: EEG and Evoked Potentials (EP), Nerve Conduction Studies (ENG), and Electromyography (EMG);

  • Morphological and haemodynamic information of the epiaortic and intracranial cerebral vessels, and muscle/nerve morphology using ultrasound techniques;

  • Biological signals of extracerebral origin, such as in polygraphy for sleep disorders or Autonomic Nervous System tests (continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion);

  • Non-invasive transcranial stimulation, both magnetic and electrical, of brain tissue for diagnostic (motor pathways of CNS/PNS) or therapeutic purposes in neuropsychiatry.

In the Clinical and Care Context:

The Neurophysiopathology Technician uses high-tech biomedical devices and applies the most appropriate techniques to record bioelectrical brain activity across all life stages—from neonatology to childhood, adulthood, and old age. Diagnostic activities are mainly carried out in Neurophysiopathology and Neurology Units on outpatients or inpatients (bedside examinations), as well as in complex settings such as:

  • Intensive care and resuscitation units

  • Operating rooms (Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring)

  • Emergency departments

  • Long-term monitoring centres for epilepsy or sleep medicine, where patients may be monitored over several days.

They manage the entire neurophysiological examination process, optimising bioelectrical signal monitoring procedures with attention to the context and equipment quality:

  • Manage the recording environment

  • Apply strategies to reduce environmental interference

  • Maintain devices for signal acquisition

  • Improve signal detection solutions

  • Plan and verify quality and safety checks

  • Manage the analog-digital signal acquisition process

  • Set, assess, and adjust acquisition parameters

  • Evaluate biological and bioelectrical phenomena

  • Synchronise audiovisual recordings with bioelectrical signals for diagnostic framing

  • Gather clinical information and symptoms during the recording

  • Apply care protocols and provide support before, during, and after the procedure

  • Perform activation/stimulation procedures and manage any complications

  • Contribute to care planning within diagnostic-therapeutic pathways in collaboration with other professionals.

The TNFP typically works in neurophysiopathology or neurology units, in both outpatient and inpatient settings, in emergency/urgent care, intensive care, and during intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in neurosurgery.

The Neurophysiopathology Technician may work in healthcare or research institutions, either as an employee or self-employed, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They may also work in companies that manufacture or provide services for neurophysiological diagnostic equipment.

 

Further details are available on the official University website

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