Management of Nonsport Injuries: Concussion Across the Life Span

Presented by Anne Mucha and Susan Whitney

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Video Runtime: 63 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 27 Minutes

While there is much published information surrounding athletes and concussion, relatively little is known about how to treat other populations who sustain mild head injury/concussion. Many individuals require therapist management of concussions caused by falls, motor vehicle collisions, work accidents, and other nonsport causes. Physical and occupational therapists who treat patients with nonsport concussions will be exposed to management considerations across the life span, including in older adults. In addition, considerations for return to school, work, and general activity will be discussed. This course is appropriate for any physical or occupational therapist who treats patients with concussion or TBI.

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

Considerations for Concussion Management Across the Life Span

1. Considerations for Concussion Management Across the Life Span

This chapter presents an overview of concussions in the older adult population, including fall-related data. Outcome measures and special characteristics of older persons post concussion are described, including a case discussion of a 70-year-old man who was involved in a motor vehicle collision.

Considerations for Return to Learn and Activity Following a Concussion

2. Considerations for Return to Learn and Activity Following a Concussion

Return to activity, work, and play are critical after concussion. This chapter provides some guideposts for decision-making about returning to work based on an individual's clinical profile, presentation of symptoms, and functional deficits. Accommodations and advocacy issues are discussed to help you maximize the person’s ability to successfully return to school, work, and/or activity.

Management of Mild TBI in the Older Adult

3. Management of Mild TBI in the Older Adult

An in-depth case of a 70-year-old woman who experienced a fall is presented to illustrate management of older persons who experience mild TBI/concussion. Similarities and differences between our 70-year-old woman and younger patients with concussion are discussed in detail to help guide your decision-making. We illustrate how factors such as her living circumstances, cognition, mood, balance, and ability to actively participate in rehab are important considerations in her return to active life.