Stroke: An Evidence-Based Review

Course Description:

According to the American Heart Association, in 2020, stroke accounted for 1 of every 19 deaths in the United States.  The AHA also reported that there were 7.08 million deaths attributable to cerebrovascular disease worldwide.  How can we more efficiently and effectively treat our patients that have been affected by this prevalent diagnosis?

Laura K Miller, DPT, EdD, NCS, MSCS, ATP will guide you through the evidence in this course on stroke.  

This course will help you:

• Describe the pathology and epidemiology of strokes
• Understand risk factors and their implication in stroke
• Discuss medical and symptomatic treatment
• Discuss common signs and symptoms of CVA
• Understand the multidisciplinary approach/team
• Describe outcome measures
• Discuss evidence-based interventions for rehab

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 stroke epidemiology and differentiate between types of strokes
2. Identify common risk factors for stroke and recognize common signs and symptoms
3. Identify hemispheric differences in strokes
4. Recognize the differential diagnoses for strokes and distinguishing types of CVAs
5. Identify medical and pharmacological management post CVA
6. Identify the Multidisciplinary Team and differentiate between the players and their important roles
7. Identify the stages of recovery and possible complications such as skin breakdown, gait abnormalities, osteoporosis, Central Post Stroke Pain, Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain, Apraxia, Falls, Somatosensory issues and more
8. Recognize the importance of treating gait impairments, spasticity and neglect
9. Identify and understand new “fancy” technologies
10. Recognize and understand the common outcome measures with stroke

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

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