Postconcussion Syndrome and OT

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.

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.

• Intro

• Breakdown of postconcussion syndrome (PCS)

  • 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)

  1. What is a concussion?

  2. What are the problems with the label of concussion or PCS? What is better?

  3. What do we think causes persisting issues?

  4. What is often missed? How can we better treat persisting issues?

  5. What do OTs have to offer that’s uniquely effective?

  6. What special considerations should you take when treating this population?

  7. What do you think is the most important takeaway this research can provide for OTs?

• Surveying the Landscape of Persistent Concussive Symptoms in Adults Through an Occupational Lens

• Interventions to Improve the Occupational Performance of Youth With Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms: A Systematic Review

• Occupational Therapy Practice in Adult Rehabilitation of Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms: A Scoping Review

• Longitudinal Study of Postconcussion Syndrome: Not Everyone Recovers

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.

OT Potential pays guest speakers an honorarium for their participation, either directly or to an institution of the speaker's choosing at their request. We invite guests whose expertise often comes from practices, programs, or building products in their field. Where a speaker has a financial interest in the subject of a course, we disclose it below so you can weigh it for yourself.

OT Potential's interest in this topic: We have no financial stake in this topic.

Speaker interests: Devon Cochrane has no financial interest in this topic to disclose.