PTA 210 - Neuro-Rehabilitation Techniques

1. Examine various topics related to the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
   1. Identify common causes of spinal cord injuries.
   2. Describe the ASIA impairment classification system for spinal cord injuries.
   3. Discuss the potential clinical manifestations of the following specific spinal cord injuries: central cord, anterior cord, dorsal column, Brown-Sequard, and cauda equina syndromes.
   4. Define the terms “neurological level,” “level of injury,” and “sacral sparing” as they relate to the rehabilitation of the patient with spinal cord injury.
   5. Identify complications associated with spinal cord injuries and how they may impact the rehabilitation process in a patient with a SCI.
   6. Discuss common acute medical interventions utilized immediately after a SCI has occurred.
   7. Describe the progression of function in rehabilitation of the patient with SCI to reach the highest level of independence.
   8. Identify various wheelchair seating options and accessories that may be utilized by a person with SCI.
   9. Propose realistic functional outcomes for people with SCI based on level of injury.
   10. Recognize the influence of social-emotional well-being on rehabilitation in a person with a SCI.
   11. Identify various wheelchair skills needed by a person with a SCI to negotiate throughout the community.
   12. Define various mechanisms of injury that can cause SCI.
   13. Identify key muscles tested to assist in determining level of injury in a patient with a SCI.
   14. Discuss the impact of a SCI on the respiratory system.
   15. Discuss the benefits of standing/ambulation to the patient with a SCI.
   16. Discuss the differences between therapeutic, household, and community ambulation.
   17. Discuss the projected outcomes for gait for a patient at various SCI levels.
   18. Analyze the various assistive devices a person with SCI would utilize during ambulation based on level of injury.
   19. Discuss the implications of pressure sores and pressure relief for wheelchair users in patients with SCI.
2. Examine various topics related to the rehabilitation of a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
   1. Discuss various types of head injuries.
   2. Describe the Glascow Coma Scale and the role it plays in the rehabilitation process.
   3. Define decerebrate and decorticate posturing as a result of TBI.
   4. Describe the Ranchos Los Amigos Cognitive Recovery Scale and its role in the rehabilitation process of a person with TBI.
   5. Describe the important areas of functioning for each lobe of the brain.
   6. Identify potential deficits in the individual with a TBI.
   7. Recognize the influence of social-emotional well-being on rehabilitation in a person with a TBI.
   8. Compare physical therapy goals for patients with TBI in various stages of recovery.
   9. Develop PT interventions to address physical therapy goals for the patient with TBI in various stages of recovery.
3. Apply the concept of motor control as it relates to the rehabilitation process of individuals with neurological dysfunction.
   1. Define motor control.
   2. Name the components of motor control and the role each plays in normal movement.
   3. Define motor learning.
   4. Compare and contrast the terms “compensation” and “restoration” and the role each plays in the rehabilitation process.
   5. Discuss the three phases of motor learning from a rehabilitation perspective.
   6. Compare motor learning strategies to improve motor learning in a patient with a neurological condition including feedback, practice, and learning transfer.
   7. Justify selection of a motor learning strategy to use with a patient in a given case scenario.
   8. Discuss the stages of motor control including mobility, stability, controlled mobility, skill, and the role these stages play in the rehabilitation process.
4. Demonstrate entry level knowledge of the neurodevelopmental treatment approach to neurological rehabilitation.
   1. Discuss the theoretical basis of NDT.
   2. Identify basic facilitation techniques used with NDT.
   3. Select appropriate NDT techniques to be used with a patient in a given case scenario.
5. Demonstrate entry level knowledge of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation approach to neurological rehabilitation.
   1. Discuss the theoretical basis for PNF in neurorehabilitation.
   2. Define the “overflow principle” and its role in rehabilitation.
   3. Examine the UE/LE diagonal movement patterns.
   4. Select appropriate PNF techniques to be used with a patient in a given case scenario.
6. Examine the Brunnstrom Approach to neurorehabilitation.
   1. Define the recovery stages for a person with a CVA according to the Brunnstrom approach.
   2. Identify the components of the UE/LE abnormal synergy patterns names in the Brunnstrom approach.
7. Examine the use of sensory techniques in neurorehabilitation.
   1. Compare the meanings of facilitation and inhibition.
   2. Justify selection of facilitation versus inhibition in a patient with a given case scenario.
   3. Describe the physiological effect on muscle activity each of the following sensory inputs may have:
      1. quick stretch
      2. prolonged stretch
      3. weight bearing and compression
      4. firm pressure
      5. joint approximation
      6. resistance
      7. quick ice
      8. prolonged ice
      9. light touch
      10. neutral warmth
8. Discuss vestibular rehabilitation.
   1. Identify the components of the balance system and the specific role of the vestibular system.
   2. Describe the anatomy of the vestibular system.
   3. Discuss symptoms of various vestibular dysfunctions.
9. Discuss responses to relevant legal or ethical issues.
   1. Describe an appropriate response to each legal/ethical clinical issue discussed in class.