Concussion Assessment: An Overview

Presented by Anne Mucha and Susan Whitney

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Video Runtime: 82 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 39 Minutes

Concussions are not all the same. Physical and occupational therapists are frequently involved in evaluating and managing the various symptoms and impairments experienced after a concussion. However, this management should be customized based on one’s individual clinical presentation and comorbid factors that affect outcome. Classifying clinical presentations following a concussion has gained increasing acceptance and is valuable in determining optimal interventions in an injury that presents diversely. Understanding neurocognitive abilities can assist in your management of individuals after a concussion and help you determine when the person is ready for return to work and play. Another important role for therapists who work with patients after a concussion is in the screening and recognition of common vestibular and oculomotor impairments that occur after the injury. This course will give PTs and OTs exposure to the most important components of the postconcussion examination.

Meet your instructors

Anne Mucha

Anne Mucha is the coordinator of vestibular rehabilitation for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program and Centers for Rehab Services. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy with advanced certification in vestibular rehabilitation. With more than 20…

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Susan Whitney

Susan L. Whitney received her PhD in motor development/motor learning from the University of Pittsburgh, her professional physical therapy education from Temple University in Philadelphia, and her DPT from MGH Institute of Health Professions. Currently, she is a professor in physical therapy in the School of Health and…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Assessment of Concussion Using a Clinical Profile Approach

Recent research has recognized that concussions are heterogeneous injuries, resulting in a multitude of symptoms and impairments requiring different treatment approaches. This chapter discusses a proposed model for classification following concussion that can aid in the evaluation, management, and research of concussion.

2. Assessment of Symptoms and Cognition Following Concussion

Symptom assessment and neurocognitive testing are considered some of the hallmark measures in concussion management. This chapter will familiarize therapists with the strengths and weaknesses of this testing.

3. Concussion Assessment Tools

Various assessment tools are used in the initial and ongoing evaluation of individuals following a concussion. This chapter reviews sideline and acute measures, symptom inventories, and computerized neurocognitive testing that may be used in concussion management.

4. Common Vestibular Findings in Concussion

Therapists are often consulted in concussion management due to the presence of vestibular dysfunction following the injury. This chapter will discuss the most common vestibular impairments and symptoms associated with a concussion. The influence of vestibular findings on recovery after concussion will be reviewed.

5. Common Ocular Findings in Concussion

Therapists are often consulted in concussion management due to the presence of visual dysfunction following the injury. This chapter will discuss the most common ocular impairments and symptoms associated with a concussion. The influence of oculomotor findings on recovery after concussion will be reviewed.

More courses in this series

Fundamentals of Concussion

Anne Mucha and Susan Whitney