Full Course Description

General Impact on the Brain

Learn more about the “invisible injuries.” Cognitive declines are secondary to traumatic brain injury and concussion. We’ll discuss the difference between post-concussion syndrome or other functional neurological disorders and more severe cognitive impairment, as well as the overlap of emotional and physical sequelae. Sherrie All, PhD, will present the mechanics of traumatic brain injury, discuss the cognitive skills most commonly impaired, and the confounding effects of fatigue, mood and anxiety on cognitive performance. You will walk away with a stronger understanding and a stronger toolbox of referral and intervention skills.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Investigate the mechanics of a traumatic brain injury including impact on the structure and function of the central nervous system.
  2. Determine at least two common cognitive sequalae of traumatic brain injury.
  3. Evaluate post-concussion syndrome and functional cognitive disorder with colleagues and patients along with a comprehensive person-centered treatment plan to improve function and quality of life.

Outline

Mechanics of Traumatic Brain Injury 

  • Pathophysiology of Moderate to Severe TBI vs. Mild TBI/Concussion 
  • Dispelling Myths about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy 
Expected neurocognitive sequalae of TBI and Concussion 
  • Expected and un-expected cognitive declines 
  • Cognitive rehabilitation interventions for attention and executive function 
  • The role of depression and PTSD  
mTBI and Post-concussion Syndrome (PCS) 
  • Non-specific symptoms of PCS 
  • Functional Neurological Disorders 
  • Multi-modal treatment interventions: developing a comprehensive, person-centered treatment plan 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists 
  • Physical Therapy Assistants 
  • Occupational Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 
  • Athletic Trainers 
  • Chiropractors 
  • Nurses 
  • Nurse Practitioners 
  • Physician Assistants 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches 
  • Other Healthcare and Rehabilitation Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2021

Clinical & Sideline Concussion Screening and Assessment

Whether you’re on the sideline or in the clinic, physicians and licensed healthcare providers must be able to quickly recognize head trauma from sports participation and accidents. A head impact can be associated with a serious and potentially fatal brain injury. This workshop will cover how to utilize the most recent Concussion Recognition Tool (SCAT5) to help determine potential concussions and identify the need for more advanced emergency treatment.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Differentiate the SCAT 5 to previous versions of the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool.
  2. Evaluate the benefits of using the SCAT5 versus more technologically sophisticated software, hardware or apps on the sideline or in the clinic.
  3. Investigate the rationale for Emergency Department referral based on objective findings of the potentially concussed athlete/patient.

Outline

Introduction

  • The need to recognize potential concussions from other injuries of the head and neck 
  • Different tools available to help determine head injuries 
  • Why the SCAT5 is a valid and reliable option to help assess head injuries 
SCAT5 
  • What is the SCAT5? 
  • How to use the SCAT5 to rule out red flags 
  • A clinical example of the use of SCAT5  

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists 
  • Physical Therapy Assistants 
  • Occupational Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 
  • Athletic Trainers 
  • Chiropractors 
  • Nurses 
  • Nurse Practitioners 
  • Physician Assistants 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches 
  • Other Healthcare and Rehabilitation Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2021

Understanding the Visual Complaints of Concussion

Whether it’s blurred vision or sensitivity to light, many of the complaints following concussion have their roots in the visual system. Robert Constantine, OTR/L, will examine the anatomy of those visual complaints and explain the process to assess and document the most common ocular motor defects found after concussion. 

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Investigate the underlying anatomy of the visual complaints after concussion.
  2. Assess and uncover the most common ocular motor problems associated with concussion.
  3. Recognize the need for optometric exam following concussion.

Outline

Understanding the anatomy of visual complaints of concussion 

  • Common complaints tied to vision  
  • Ventral and Dorsal Stream 
Assessing and documenting the Post Concussion Visual System 
  • Saccades 
  • Tracking 
  • Near point of convergence 
  • Near point of accommodation  
Find the Neuro-optometrist 
  • Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists 
  • Physical Therapy Assistants 
  • Occupational Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 
  • Athletic Trainers 
  • Chiropractors 
  • Nurses 
  • Nurse Practitioners 
  • Physician Assistants 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches 
  • Other Healthcare and Rehabilitation Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2021

Vestibular Management

Some of the most frustrating symptoms for patients with post-concussion syndrome are balance and vestibular impairments. We’ll focus on recognizing and treating the vestibular aspects of concussion management. This applies to everyone from students to professional athletes and youth to geriatrics as well as everything from sports-related injuries to military blast-type concussion injuries.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Differentiate the types of concussion that occur and common signs and symptoms.
  2. Complete examination tools to assess balance and vestibular impairments in patients with post-concussion syndrome.
  3. Evaluate evidence-based tools that can be used to treat vestibular and balance impairments that occur in clients post-concussion.

Outline

Initial Concussion 

  • Quick resolution vs. lasting affects 
  • Definitions 
  • Symptoms and duration 
Rehab Assessment     
  • ABC scale 
  • Himat 
  • VOMs 
Vestibular treatment 
  • Balance 
  • Visual motor 
  • Cardiovascular 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists 
  • Physical Therapy Assistants 
  • Occupational Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 
  • Athletic Trainers 
  • Chiropractors 
  • Nurses 
  • Nurse Practitioners 
  • Physician Assistants 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches 
  • Other Healthcare and Rehabilitation Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2021

Manual Therapy for Post-Concussion Headache

Post-traumatic headache (PTH) can be debilitating, and there is evidence that craniocervical myofascial tension and trigger points contribute to its persistent symptoms. Manual therapy to address abnormal fascial tension and TPs is a key component of multifactorial rehabilitation management. Discover easy methods of soft tissue release you can apply immediately in your practice in this course. We’ll discuss the evidence basis for incorporating manual therapy in a comprehensive plan of care to help people with PTH live healthier, more productive lives.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Evaluate post-concussion syndrome and its relationship to post-traumatic headaches (PTH).
  2. Demonstrate 5 manual therapy interventions to manage PTH.
  3. Investigate the evidence for manual therapy interventions for improving outcomes for people with PTH.

Outline

Post traumatic headache 

  • Diagnosis, incidence, prevalence 
  • Examination, red and yellow flags 
PTH Symptoms 
  • Dizziness 
  • Pain 
  • Mobility limitations 
  • Muscle spasm 
  • Trigger points 
  • Cognitive impairment 
  • Cranial nerve involvement 
  • Manual Therapy Interventions as part of a multimodal approach to PTH: Demonstrations 
  • Positional release (PRT) 
  • Myofascial release (MFR), Soft tissue mobilization (STM) 
  • Craniosacral therapy (CST) 
  • Joint mobilization 
  • Muscle energy technique 
Evidence for Effectiveness of Manual Therapy for PTH 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists 
  • Physical Therapy Assistants 
  • Occupational Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 
  • Athletic Trainers 
  • Chiropractors 
  • Nurses 
  • Nurse Practitioners 
  • Physician Assistants 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches 
  • Other Healthcare and Rehabilitation Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2021

Safely Returning the Concussed Athlete to Play

Athletes who suffer concussions are as much as three times as likely to sustain another concussion in the future as compared to those who are concussion-free. This makes the return-to-play process for athletes who have been concussed extremely important. In this presentation, we will discuss return-to-play testing and gradual return to activity for athletes of all ages, as well as some new and innovative ideas to assist the healing process.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Determine proper concussion testing procedures.
  2. Evaluate a systematic and comprehensive return to play program.
  3. Integrate post-concussion treatment modalities to assist athletes in becoming symptom free more quickly.

Outline

  • Concussion Testing 
    • SCAT5 
  • Return to play programming for activity, academics, and activities of daily living 
    • High School Athlete 
    • College Athlete 
  • Long Term Post-Concussion Syndrome 
    • Appropriate Referrals 
  • Innovative post-concussion treatment modalities 

Target Audience

  • Physical Therapists 
  • Physical Therapy Assistants 
  • Occupational Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 
  • Athletic Trainers 
  • Chiropractors 
  • Nurses 
  • Nurse Practitioners 
  • Physician Assistants 
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaches 
  • Other Healthcare and Rehabilitation Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2021