Assessment and Treatment for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury

Description

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Moderate to severe injuries often lead to lifelong disability. In the United States alone, the Center for Disease Control estimates that there are approximately 5.3 million individuals living with TBI related disabilities. Rehabilitation professionals are charged with minimizing TBI related sequelae and optimizing function. With ever increasing pressures from insurers and ever changing evidence from researchers, knowledge translation from the literature to the clinic is a key in efficient and optimal rehabilitation. However, the clinician is faced with the challenge of managing a patient caseload while remaining up-to-date on research that directly impacts their interventions.

This course will provide an overview of TBI and TBI rehabilitation while highlighting recent advances in the science and management of survivors of moderate to severe TBI. Participants will leave with an awareness of the changing epidemiology of TBI, and the usefulness of multiple standardized assessment tools. Effectiveness of paradoxical medications that are being utilized to increase arousal of individuals in a minimally conscious state will be presented. Updates on indicators of positive outcome after TBI and prognostic models will be described to aid in goal establishment, guide treatment and prepare caregivers. Evidence updates on common clinical interventions, such as coma stimulation and body weight supported gait training, will be provided to guide clinical practice. Tactics for the management of behavioral disturbances and guidance for promoting the recovery of caregivers after catastrophic injuries will be reviewed. Participants will leave this course feeling refreshed and empowered to manage their patients with up-to-date evidence-based knowledge.

Highlights

• The latest research and key advances in the medical and rehabilitation management of traumatic brain injuries
• 10 most effective standardized assessment tools for all levels of recovery and understanding of their usefulness in clinical practice
• Develop the best plan of care based upon prognostic evidence and models to more accurately predict outcomes
• Be properly equipped to manage confusion and behavioral disturbances
• Resources to educate family/caregivers in varying levels of acceptance and recovery

Learning Objectives

1. Update knowledge base regarding key topics throughout the continuum of recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
2. Apply evidence-based assessment tools for evaluation of impairments and function and realize their clinical usefulness and impact on outcome after TBI.
3. Realize the impact and limitations of outcome prediction models.
4. Identify appropriate rehabilitation goals at each level of recovery after TBI.
5. Improve ability to evaluate and manage behavioral disturbances which are common after TBI.
6. Incorporate knowledge of the impact of TBI on the aging process into management of chronic TBI and education of clients.

Course Content