OBJECTIVES:
- At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Describe the pathophysiology, biomechanics and epidemiology of concussion.
- Describe key risk factors associated with poorer outcome after a concussion.
- Describe common clinical subtypes following concussion.
- Perform vestibular/ocular (VOMS) and balance screenings.
- Identify common vestibular and visual system abnormalities following concussion.
- Discuss considerations for exertion assessment and rehabilitation following concussion.
- Discuss commonly prescribed medications for symptoms following concussion.
- Discuss the latest return to play guidelines.
PROGRAM:
Day 1
|
8:30 – 10:00 |
Concussion Overview, Diagnosis, Risk Factors & Outcome Prediction |
|
10:00 – 10:15 |
Break |
|
10:15 – 11:45 |
Concussion Evaluation: Screening & Identification of Clinical Subtypes |
|
11:45 – 12:30pm |
Evaluation and Management of Concussion: Clinical Interview & Neurocognitive Testing |
|
12:30 – 1:30 |
Lunch |
|
1:30 – 2:00 |
Evaluation and Management of Concussion: Common Vestibular & Oculomotor Problems |
|
2:00 – 3:00 |
Vestibular and Oculomotor Exam |
|
3:00 – 3:15 |
Break |
|
3:15 – 4:30 |
Vestibular and Oculomotor Exam (con't) & Treatment |
Day 2
|
8:30 – 9:30 |
Evaluation and Management of Concussion: Exertion Assessment and Rehabilitation |
|
9:30 – 10:15 |
Concussion: Cervical Considerations |
|
10:15 – 10:30 |
Break |
|
10:30 – 11:00 |
Evaluation and Management of Concussion: Anxiety & Mood Disorders |
|
11:00 – 12:00 |
Evaluation and Management of Concussion Migraine & Headaches |
|
12:00– 1:00pm |
Lunch |
|
1:00 – 1:30 |
Medical Management & Alternative Therapies for Concussion |
|
1:30 – 2:00 |
Return to Play/Activity – Guidelines and Considerations |
|
2:00 – 2:15 |
Break |
|
2:15 – 4:15 |
Concussion Interactive Case Examples |
Susan L. Whitney, DPT, PhD, NCS, ATC, FAPTA
Susan Whitney received her PhD in motor development/motor learning from the University of Pittsburgh and her professional physical therapy education from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She received her doctor of physical therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of the Health Professions. Currently, she is a professor in physical therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, in the Department of Otolaryngology in the School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, and in the Clinical Translational Science Institute. Dr. Whitney practices physical therapy one day a week for the Centers for Rehab Services. She currently studies the use of vibrotactile feedback for persons with vestibular dysfunction. She has published over 120 papers that are referenced on Medline and has written over 30 book chapters, primarily in the area of functional balance assessment and vestibular rehabilitation. She has co-written a book entitled “Vestibular Disorders: A case study approach to diagnosis and treatment”. She is past President of the Neurology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and was a member of the BPPV guideline task force of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and the American Physical Therapy Association's guideline task force for unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction. She is also a past Chair of the Neurology Sections Vestibular Special Interest Group and collaborates with colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh related to research in children and adults with concussion.
