North American Seminars Course Outline

Multiple sclerosis can affect any area of the central nervous system resulting in a multitude of symptoms. This two-day course provides the therapist with a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of these symptoms. The course begins with an overview of the disease and the evaluation of symptoms. Hands on evaluations and video case studies of patients reinforce the course lecture. Evaluations address assessment of hypertonicity, heat sensitivity, ataxia, weakness, fatigue and the impact of these symptoms on mobility. Small group discussions of these evaluations lead into the development of a simple, yet comprehensive evaluation form that can be applied immediately in your clinic. Lecture and discussion provide treatment strategies and exercise protocols based on the latest research and incorporates the use of adaptive equipment, orthotics and cooling equipment to enhance treatment outcomes for the chronic and acute patient. The course material is based on a philosophy of educating the patient about their symptoms, which allows the patient to gain more control over their symptom management, resulting in an overall improved quality of life. Patient education materials for symptom management, as well as a list of resource material will be provided to each course participant. Upon completion of this course the therapist will be able to evaluate the chronic or acute patient with M.S. using a customized evaluation form, develop a prioritized symptom management and exercise plan, and provide education materials for symptom management to the patient or caregiver.

This course is designed for physical therapy continuing education and occupational therapy continuing education

North American Seminars Course Objectives

• Understand the disease process of multiple sclerosis and the resulting symptoms.
• Recognize the common medications used in the management of multiple sclerosis and understand their side effects.
• Evaluate the patient with either chronic or acute symptoms using an evaluation form specific to the needs of your clinic.
• Assess hypertonicity and how it may interfere with function.
• Prioritize symptoms for treatment as well as referral to interdisciplinary team members.
• Develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Develop appropriate exercise programs for strength, flexibility, balance and cardiorespiratory endurance.
• Provide patients and/or caregivers with education materials on symptom management.
• Be familiar with internet, local and the National M.S. Society resources.
• Understand the difference between neurological orthotics and biomechanical orthotics.
• Be familiar with orthotics, assistive devices, cooling devices and exercise equipment appropriate for the patient with M.S.

North American Seminars Course Brochure and Timeline

Course Brochures are in Adobe PDF format. Right click and choose "Save Target As" to download brochure. If you would like to open the brochure in your browser windows, select the link.

Course Healthclick - North American Seminars presents Unlocking the Mystery of Effective Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis

North American Seminars 2009 Scheduled Dates and Locations

Start Date	End Date	Location - **Click to Map It**	Tuition	Hrs	Hotel
Mar 20, 10	Mar 21, 10	Sutter Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA	$399.00	15.00	View Hotels
Apr 17, 10	Apr 18, 10	Sunrise Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV	$399.00	15.00	View Hotels