The Evaluation and Treatment of Upper Limb Ataxia
About the Course
This course is intended for all healthcare professionals who treat individuals with cerebellar ataxia. The aim of this course is to bridge the clinical gap between evidence-based research and the clinical application in the treatment of Upper Limb Ataxia. This course will assist the learner in identifying the unique clinical presentations between the main types and causes of ataxia, discuss common clinical characteristics of Ataxia as well as develop an underlying understanding of the pathophysiology deriving these atypical manifestations. The primary concentration will be on the upper limb ataxia with a comprehensive approach to the identification of common movement disorders, execution of positional screening, finger testing, pen and paper tasks followed by a training in the implementation of coordinative, oculomotor, postural, Frenkel and proprioceptive loading exercises. A supporting compensatory based approach will include the use of adapted equipment and activity adaptations. The learner will receive both a skilled treatment and documentation terminology inventory for in-clinic application.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Classify the main types and causes of ataxia.
- Analyze cerebellar ataxic movement patterns and their distinguishing atypical clinical characteristics.
- Differentiate positional screening methods and identify appropriate standardized tests for the evaluation and diagnosis of upper limb ataxia.
- Distinguish evidence-based coordinative, core, and postural exercises to improve occupational and functional performance in patients with upper limb ataxia.
- Analyze compensatory based interventions to offset functional and occupational barriers in upper limb ataxia.
About the Author/Presenter
Elizabeth Foss OTR/L, FAS, earned her bachelor’s degree in human biology from Olivet Nazarene University in 2003 and her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2007 from Midwestern University. Elizabeth has over 13 years of experience in the acute inpatient, outpatient, home health, and subacute nursing settings and currently works in the inpatient Neuromuscular Unit at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. She was awarded Governors State University Clinical Instructor Excellence Award in 2015 and is the content creator for the YouTube video, “Little Steps, Big Gains.” She has served as an ataxia expert representing the field of occupational therapy at the National Ataxia Foundation Conference and John Hopkins Ataxia Center. Elizabeth is certified in LSVT BIG and tai-chi and is a functional aging specialist and certified older adult exercise consultant.
How to Receive Credit
- View the entire recording which requires a 3-hour commitment of time.
- After completion of the course, complete the final examination. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning outcomes as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
- Provide required personal information and payment information.
- Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
- Print your Certificate of Completion.
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by visiting our Contact Us page. (https://www.elitelearning.com/contact-us/)
Identification, Mitigation, and Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
The planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) of this educational activity have no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
©2024: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.
Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 9872. This Distance Learning-Independent course is offered at 0.3 CEUs, Intermediate, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.