Demystifying Concussion: Evidence-Based Approach to Improve Outcomes

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

1. Describe the pathophysiology of concussion and current diagnostic and management strategies employed both in the field and in the clinic.   
2. Identify potential symptomology following concussion to include cognitive, orthopedic, neurological, physiological, and psychological dysfunction.   
3. Compare and contrast differences between special populations to include pediatrics, general population, older adults, sport, and elite athletes regarding concussion management.   
4. Discuss objective testing utilized to include sideline assessment tools, computerized neurocognitive testing, and specific measures for cervical, ocular, vestibular, and exertional impairments. 
5. Perform a comprehensive concussion evaluation to include cervical examination, vestibular ocular examination, and exertional testing to quantify impairments commonly occurring with concussion injury. 
6. Identify driving subtypes via clinical trajectories specific to individual patients to facilitate return to sport/activity in a timely fashion when appropriate. 
7. Compare and contrast current evidence on the activity recovery models with guided active rehabilitation strategies when appropriate to include decision-making on initiation of return to play/activity protocol. 
8. Design appropriate impairment-based treatment plans based on clinical trajectories and driving subtypes that are multi-modal based on principles of neuroplasticity. 
9. Employ functional, task-specific training that addresses post-concussive impairments and ensures that the client is safe to return to sport and/or activity. 
10. Identify patients that need referral to neuropsychology, neurology, or possible neuro-optometry for further assistance in post-concussive management. 
11. Discuss patient and education on current evidence regarding residual effects and potential sequelae from concussion injury. 
12. Describe the state of current high- vs. low-tech technology available for both diagnostic and intervention.  

This accredited activity is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists and athletic trainers. 

In support of improving patient care, University of Nebraska Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Athletic Trainers
Nebraska Medicine (BOC AP#: P12120) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of 14.0 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. 

Physical Therapists
This course is pending approval for 14.0 contact hours for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.