Course Description

Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries are not just seen in the outpatient setting. This course is designed for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, and athletic trainers in all settings who work with individuals with concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries.

This course will present current literature on defining mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) which was updated in 2023 and the current clinical practice guideline. This course will provide a comprehensive review of neuroanatomical structures and incorporate in-person anatomy lab review. Additionally, this course will review the literature on individualized graded return to activity protocols, including the Buffalo Concussion Marching-in-Place Test and the Older Adult Treadmill Test, both published in 2024. The treatment and assessment of concussions/mTBIs across all settings (outpatient, inpatient, acute care, home health, etc.) will be addressed. 

Note: This course offers 16 continuing education units (CEUs) for PTs and PTAs. Other disciplines should consult with their licensing board for approval. 

Course Features

This two-day course includes the following:

• Review of current research advances in concussion/mTBI literature 
• In-person donor lab to review neuroanatomical and cervical spine review as they relate to concussions
• Two-hour lab experience implementing progressive aerobic activity and return to activity
• Four-hour lab completing examinations, evaluations, and interventions with paid actors simulating concussions/mTBIs
• Discussion on adaptations to current protocols to utilize with underrepresented populations

Course Outcomes

By the completion of this course, learners will be able to:

Course Outline

Friday, October 18

7:30-8:00: Sign in

8:00-8:15: Welcome and Course Introduction

8:15-9:30:  New diagnostic criteria for mTBI through American College of Rehab Medicine and case examples

9:30-10:30: Review of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment after Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

10:30-10:40: Break

10:40-11:00: Metabolic Cascade (and challenges with translation)

11:00-12:00: Review of neuroanatomical structures frequently associated with mTBI or whiplash associated disorders 

12:00-1:00: Lunch on your own 

1:00-2:00: Exertion Intolerance and Autonomic Dysfunction

2:00-2:15: Break 

2:15-3:00 Exertion Intolerance and Autonomic Dysfunction Continued 

3:00-5:00: In-person anatomy lab review of neuroanatomical structures and cervical spine musculature 

Saturday, October 19

8:00-8:30: Sign in and welcome

8:30-10:00: Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test and Buffalo Concussion Marching-in-Place Test  

10:00-10:15: Break

10:15-11:30: Lab practicing return to activity protocols with paid volunteers 

11:30-12:00: Limitations in current literature 

12:00-1:00: Lunch on your own

1:00-2:00: Older Adult Treadmill Test (OAT) lab with paid volunteers 

2:00-5:00: Lab conducting examinations/evaluations on standardized patients with mTBI/concussion

5:00-5:30: Conclusion of course

About the Lead Instructor

Crystal Ramsey, DPT, is a graduate of Elon’s Department of Physical Therapy Education program with over 14 years of clinical experience working with individuals who have neuromuscular injuries or disorders. Dr. Ramsey joined Elon University’s School of Health Science in 2018. As a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist, her teaching responsibilities include the evaluation and treatment of individuals who have vestibular disorders, brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries. Her research interests and publication history includes concussion in service members and brain injuries in older adults. Additionally, she co-authored a third edition of the textbook Mobility in Context. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Human Movement Sciences with a concentration on brain injury/concussion. Dr. Ramsey is currently a co-investigator on a grant from the Department of Defense entitle "Exercise Reset for Concussion-Modifying the Buffalo Concussion Protocol for Application in a Military Environment."