Occupational | Physical Therapy Continuing Education - TBI

Why take this course?

This course is a two-day advanced hands-on seminar focusing on effective identification and management of physical symptom sequella that may arise following a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Through this course, participants can expect to further advance their knowledge of the complexities of the vestibular system and understand why knowledge of this system is paramount to the successful management of this diagnosis. Evidence and current practice patterns will be discussed and supported throughout the seminar.

The physical symptoms developing after a mTBI can follow many clinical trajectories, many of them mediated by or involved directly with the vestibular system. The International Consensus on Concussion in Sport suggests that rehabilitation of cervical, vestibular, oculomotor and autonomic systems can be an integral part of the recovery from a concussion. We will explore each of these dysfunctions, how to identify their clinical patterns and presentations, develop treatment paradigms and understand expected recovery outcomes and prognosis.

Sessions will focus primarily on mild TBI and we will cover a variety of pathologies that may arise as a result of a TBI. These include diffuse axonal injury, metabolic changes following a concussion, skull fractures, fistulas, post- traumatic Ménière’s, whiplash, cervicogenic dizziness, BPPV, central or peripheral vestibular dysfunction, cranial nerve damage, sensory integration defects, autonomic dysregulation and balance and gait deficits. We will discuss the current “return to play” guidelines, their limitations, and gaps in research.

This course is organized to build in skill development through case presentations, guided lab, video examples, and lectures to allow the learner to have a thorough understanding of how to systematically manage this population without getting overwhelmed. We will provide the participant with a clinical algorithm to follow based on the most current evolving evidence. Participants will be able to develop a clear concise treatment regimen, learn how to educate the patient, their family, coaches and other medical professionals on expected recovery, and “return to play” guidelines based on the best current evidence available. Finally, participants will learn what is known in the literatures, what is not known and how you as a health care provider can play a prominent role and be an advocate for normal recovery.

Course Objectives

• Describe the core features and overlap of symptoms from mild traumatic brain injury to post-concussion syndrome protracted recovery, expected outcomes and literature updates.
• Identify possible barriers to rehabilitation following a concussion and how to address them to maximize outcomes in the most efficient, cost-effective manner.
• Identify the areas of possible damage to the vestibular system following a mTBI or concussion.
• Identify how to choose the most appropriate tests to differentially diagnose vestibular and balance deficits following TBI.
• Describe the tools used for balance and vestibular interview and evaluation and apply it to this complex population.
• Evaluate the visual system (pursuits, saccades, vergence, and alignment) & understand how to integrate findings into the treatment plan.
• Describe how to effectively manage whiplash associated dizziness.
• Identify patterns and clinically relevant finding for a variety of pathologies that may arise following a TBI including central and peripheral vestibular deficits, skull fractures, fistulas, cranial nerve damage, visual dysfunction, post-traumatic Meniere's, headaches, migraines, whiplash, sensory integrations defects, balance and gait dysfunction.
• Develop individualized treatment plans for cervical, vestibular, ocular and autonomic clinical trajectories post-concussion.
• Describe the effects of multi-sensory damage and the importance of interdisciplinary management, including when to refer out.
• Develop programs that incorporates “return to play” guidelines in a more useful, clinically relevant manner.
• Describe how technological advances can help in your clinic and how to utilize low-cost evaluation and treatment tools.

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Instructed by: Karen Skop, PT, DPT

Course Dates

State Continuing Education Course Approvals

All courses are pre-approved by the state licensing boards for physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and athletic trainers for license renewal in the state the course is offered.

Courses provided by AOTA providers are accepted by NBCOT. 1 hour = 1.25 PDU. North American Seminars is an AOTA provider, provider #4487

North American Seminars, Inc. (BOC provider #P2047) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for the maximum stated hours of Category A hours/CEUs. Athletic Trainers should claim only those hours actually spent in the education program.

Special Need Request - Please submit a help ticket if you require any special needs in regards to registering or attending a course.

Private - Sponsorship or Custom Version of this Course for your Team