Intro to Multiple Sclerosis: A Therapist’s Guide

Course Description:

According to recent statistics, there are approximately 1 million Americans living with Multiple Sclerosis.  This number is approximately 2.8 globally.  149 in every 100,000 Americans are affected by the disease, so odds are you will be treating many individuals during your time practicing.  Laura K Miller, DPT, EdD, NCS, MSCS, ATP will guide you through the introduction of MS in this course. (Dr. Miller also offers a second course entitled Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Therapist’s Guide.) 

This course will help you:

• Describe the pathology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• List signs and symptoms of MS
• Understand the diagnostic process
• Recognize types of MS
• Understand exacerbations and their significance
• Identify and differentiate between treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis

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 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) statistics and identify the hallmarks of MS
2. Identify risk factors/causes/exacerbations of Multiple Sclerosis
3. Differentiate between the signs and symptoms of MS: common, less common, and secondary or tertiary symptoms
4. Recognize the role and impact of Neuropathic Pain in MS
5. Differentiate between the causes of depression in MS
6. Recognize the causes of difficulty walking/foot drop/falls and spasticity
7. Identify the issues surrounding Optic Neuritis/cognitive changes and bowel and bladder changes
8. Differentiate between types of MS: Clinically Isolated Syndrome, Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
9. Recognize the criteria for diagnosis and subsequent diagnostic procedures
10. Identify current treatment areas of therapy: gait and assistive device training/balance and fall prevention/ strength and exercise prescription/activities of daily living/vision therapy/cognitive therapy and many more

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

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