Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Course Description:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS was first described in 1869 by French Neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. According to recent statistics, there are approximately 18,000 Americans living with ALS at any given time.  The mean duration of the disease is just 3 years, so providing efficient and effective treatment is extremely important.  Laura K Miller, DPT, EdD, NCS, MSCS, ATP will guide you through the introduction and treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in this course.  

This course will help you:

• Describe the pathology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• List risk factors for ALS
• Explain symptoms and types of ALS
• Discuss medical and symptomatic treatment for ALS
• Understand multidisciplinary approach for ALS treatment
• Discuss current evidence related to management of ALS

Methods of Instruction:

Online audio/video course

Course Instructor:

Laura K. Miller, DPT, EdD, NCS, MSCS, ATP

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, and Athletic Trainers.

Educational Level:

Intermediate

Prerequisites:

None

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize common Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) statistics and identify the hallmarks of ALS
2. Identify risk factors/causes/exacerbations of ALS
3. Differentiate between the signs and symptoms of ALS: common vs advanced onset types
4. Recognize the role and impact of diagnostic delay and challenges with diagnosis
5. Recognize the progression of ALS
6. Differentiate between the types of ALS treatment, medications, and supplemental medications
7. Recognize the multidisciplinary roles and responsibilities of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Dietician/Nutritionist and Psychotherapy
8. Identify ALS clinics/centers of excellence and prognostic indicators
9. Differentiate between outcome measures in ALS
10. Recognize current research in the areas of gait and assistive device training/balance and fall prevention/ strength and exercise prescription/activities of daily living/ cognitive therapy and many more

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test