Current Concussion Evaluation and Treatment Approaches
Current Concussion Evaluation and Treatment Approaches is organized by Healthclick.
Description:
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury, mTBI. A concussion is typically not life-threatening;however, it can be life - altering. Symptoms can include dizziness, fatigue, confusion, depression, inability to focus, and intolerance for noisy environments. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers are trained to assess and treat concussions properly. Managing the symptoms in a timely fashion is critical for the successful progression back to life and function.
This evidence-based concussion course provides the clinician with the tools necessary to evaluate and treat the concussion patient’s many symptoms.
Course Objectives:
• Identify the importance of the multidisciplinary rehab team when developing a comprehensive rehab program for successful functional outcomes.
• Describe the underlying pathophysiology of a concussion, common symptoms and the factors involved with recovery.
• Develop problem-solving skills to identify the most appropriate assessment tool for differentiating the source of the problem in order to avoid overstimulation and fatigue.
• Identify common red flags that are associated with a concussion and determine when a referral is needed.
• Perform a cervical screen to rule out cervicogenic headaches.
• Discuss common tools utilized among the interdisciplinary team to assess executive functioning abilities.
• Discuss the importance of mindfulness and sleep patterns with your patients so they have the tools necessary to achieve better functional outcomes.
• Understand the patient’s perspective on symptoms by listening to specific testimonials and then incorporate this information into a comprehensive plan.
• Perform a comprehensive oculomotor exam by establishing the patient’s baseline.
• Perform evidence-based test for convergence and accommodation issues, saccadic eye movements, vestibular-ocular reflex, VOR cancellation and ocular misalignment.
• Properly perform the motion sensitivity test to determine the severity of symptoms with specific movements.
• Identify when modification of the treatment plan is necessary to avoid overstimulation and regression of gains.
• Perform specific tests to rule out BPPV as a cause of the symptoms.
• Determine when it is appropriate to use infrared goggles in your assessment plan.
• Utilize evidence-based assessments and tools such as Accommodation Tool, King-Devik, Functional Gait Assessment to establish baselines for treatment.
• Develop appropriate rehab programs that incorporate the synergistic coordination of multileveled sensory integration.
• Develop challenging and progressive treatment sessions to improve visual motion sensitivity, dynamic balance, oculomotor control, joint position awareness and endurance.
• Perform the Modified Test for Sensory Interaction on balance and accurately interpret your findings.
• Develop tools to help your patient successfully apply rehab activities to real life situations, functional activities and daily tasks.
• Understand how to perform the six steps within the Sensory Organization Test and accurately interpret the findings to establish a proper treatment progression program.
• Test and treat advanced sensory integration and balance deficits.
• Understand how the Balance Master assists in reaching overall goals and how to apply the concepts of the Balance Master into your treatment approach if it is not accessible in your clinic.
• Be an advocate for post-concussion patients who can’t advocate for themselves.