Acute Brain Injury and Disorders of Consciousness:
Assessment and Intervention
Presented by Mary Beth Osborne
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Meet your instructor
Mary Beth Osborne
Mary Beth Osborne earned both her BS and DPT in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a board-certified specialist in neurologic physical therapy. She is currently an assistant professor in residence at the University of Connecticut in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and involved…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Pathophysiology and Acute Brain Injury
This chapter addresses the early days following brain injury. Learners will explore patient management in the intensive care unit and how the priorities of care shift as patients achieve medical stability. Categories of disorders of consciousness will be addressed including assessment tools and signs of emerging awareness.
2. Assessment of Impairments and Functional Limitations
This chapter examines common tools used early in recovery including the Glasgow Coma Scale, the Coma Recovery Scale and the Ranchos Los Amigos (RLA) Scale of Cognitive Functioning. Learners will gain understanding of the categories of recovery included in disorders of consciousness (DOCs) and RLA stages and how to assess patients during these stages of recovery.
3. Common Impairments
This chapter highlights the many areas of potential impairment following brain injury including medical, communication, sensory, visual, cognitive, behavioral and motor. Learners will apply knowledge to the case of Andy and gain insight into expectations and prognosis based on his case.
