In this 1-hour course, occupational therapy practitioners will gain an introductory understanding of a hot topic (and controversial diagnosis): postconcussion syndrome.

On one hand, postconcussion syndrome has a well-described pattern of symptoms. But, on the other hand, we don’t know what causes it. Plus, because the symptoms are subjective, postconcussion syndrome has been very difficult to quantify and study.

Whether you work with kids or adults, at some point you’ll probably work with patients who’ve suffered concussions. This course will help you feel informed and confident when working with these patients.

The course will begin with a breakdown of some current research on postconcussion syndrome. Next, Devon Cochrane, an occupational therapist and concussion expert, will join us to discuss practical takeaways.

Primary Research Explored

Hiploylee C, Dufort PA, Davis HS, Wennberg RA, Tartaglia MC, Mikulis D, Hazrati LN, Tator CH. Longitudinal Study of Postconcussion Syndrome: Not Everyone Recovers. J Neurotrauma. 2017 Apr 15;34(8):1511-1523. doi: 10.1089/neu.2016.4677. Epub 2016 Nov 29. PMID: 27784191; PMCID: PMC5397249.

Learning Objectives

  1. You will be able to define postconcussion syndrome. 
  2. You will be able to identify important occupational therapy considerations for working with patients with postconcussion syndrome.
     

Agenda

Intro (5 minutes)

Breakdown of postconcussion syndrome (PCS) (10 minutes)

  • What is postconcussion syndrome (PCS)? 
  • What causes PCS? 
  • How did the authors hope to contribute to our understanding of PCS? 
  • What were the authors’ methods? 
  • What symptoms did they examine in PCS? 
  • What were the results? 
  • Which treatments were most effective? 
  • What did the authors discuss and conclude based on their findings? 
  • Takeaways for OT practitioners

Discussion on practical implications for OTs (with expert guest Devon Cochrane) (45 minutes)

  • What is a concussion? 
  • What are the problems with the label of concussion or PCS? What is better? 
  • What do we think causes persisting issues? 
  • What is often missed? How can we better treat persisting issues? 
  • What do OTs have to offer that’s uniquely effective? 
  • What special considerations should you take when treating this population? 
  • What do you think is the most important takeaway this research can provide for OTs?

More Course Information

  • Contact Hours

    1 hour (0.1 AOTA CEUs). Released online from Aurora, NE.

  • Target Audience/Educational Level

    Occupational therapy practitioners who work with adult or pediatric patients who have suffered concussions. The educational level is introductory.

  • Instructional Methods/Registration/Special Needs Requests/Cancellation Policy

    This course is an independent/self-study course delivered via podcast.

    If you need accommodations to take this course, please contact us and we will address your needs on an individual basis.

    If this course were to be cancelled, please see our cancellation policy on our terms page.

  • Course Completion Requirements

    In order to receive a certificate for this course, you will need to listen to the entire podcast and take the post-course quiz. You must earn 75% or higher to pass and receive credit. If you pass, a certificate will be automatically generated for you to download. The certificate will also be saved to your account for future download as needed.

  • Financial and Non-financial Disclosures

    It is the policy of OT Potential to disclose any financial and non-financial interest the provider or instructor may have in a product or service mentioned during an activity. This is to ensure that the audience is made aware of any bias of the speaker.

    We here at OT Potential have no financial stake in this topic. Our guest, Devon Cochrane, has no financial interest in this topic to disclose.

Speakers

Devon Cochrane, OT

Devon was born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada, where he has grown deep roots within the community. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from UVic in 2010 and a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from UBC in 2014.  

Before becoming an OT, Devon worked in roles supporting children and youth living with a variety of special needs. He began his OT career working as a community occupational therapist and case manager supporting people with musculoskeletal injury, concussion (and other brain injury), chronic pain, mental health issues, wheelchair and equipment prescription, ergonomics, functional assessments and assistive technology needs.

Over the past four years, he has developed experience and a special interest in supporting people with concussion-related issues. Combining a keen drive to advance clinical practice and a desire to enhance the quality of treatment for concussion, Devon joined Tall Tree Health Centre with the goal to build the best concussion program in Victoria, BC.

Devon has taken post-professional education in concussion management and is completing Evidence In Motion’s 12-month concussion management certification program to advance his clinical competency. He is dedicated to occupation-based practice, and he concentrates on offering a fun, creative and supportive environment to encourage success for people of any age.

Sarah Lyon, OTR/L

Podcast host: Sarah Lyon, OTR/LSarah’s passion is helping fellow OT practitioners translate evidence into daily practice. Sarah earned her BA in religion from St. Olaf College, then earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from New York University in 2011. Since then, she’s worked in numerous facilities, including a critical access hospital, an acute trauma hospital, and a state inpatient psychiatric hospital.

Sarah is the founder/owner of OT Potential. Read more about OT Potential here.

This course was designed to meet your continuing education requirements

OT Potential designed this course to meet the requirements for “online” and “independent/self-study” courses. For more details read their blog post: Can I earn OT CEUS from a podcast? To verify the requirements from your specific state (within the US), check out our post, OT Continuing Education Explained. If you are outside of the United States and have questions, please contact us.

We are proud to be an AOTA Approved Provider and to meet the requirements for your NBCOT renewal.



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