'Without A Key': A Classroom Case Study

Abstract

This case study uses a narrative focused on locked-in syndrome to engage upper-level undergraduate students with functional neuroanatomy, clinical neuroscience, and brain computer interface technology. Students 'diagnose' the etiology of a composite patient's symptoms using behavioral, neurological, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological test results. Students work both in small groups and as a class to develop analytical and communication skills by exploring the underpinnings, symptoms, and outcomes of locked-in syndrome and how behavioral and brain computer interface techniques could be used to improve quality of life in patients. A complete, detailed description of classroom implementation and the case narratives are available from the corresponding author or from cases.at.june@gmail.com.

Keywords: brain computer interface; case study; event-related potentials; locked-in syndrome; problem-based learning.