Neuro Tests and Measures: Pinpoint Essential Tests and Transition to Treatment with Speed and Precision

Credit

Handouts/Brochure

Speaker

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA Related seminars and products

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Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA has been a PT since 1991, board certified in neurologic PT in 1995, and a private practice owner since 2005. Dr. Studer has been an invited speaker covering all 50 states, 13 countries, and 5 continents speaking on topics ranging from cognition and psychology in rehabilitation, aging, stroke, motor learning, motivation in rehabilitation, balance, dizziness, neuropathy and Parkinson Disease. Dr. Studer was the founder and operator of Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Oregon for 18 years and is now a co-founder and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness in Bend, OR. He is an adjunct professor at Touro University and additional appointment at UNLV. Dr. Studer assists the USC-led national network of neurologic PT residencies (Neuroconsortium) as well.  

In 2011, Mike was recognized as Clinician of the Year in the Neurologic and (in 2014) the Geriatric Academies of the APTA. He received the highest honor available in PT in 2020, being distinguished as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA in 2020, joining a group of under 300 persons at the time for the history of the profession. Mike’s honors additionally reflect his service for Vice Presidency of the Academy of Neurologic PT, the Mercedes Weiss award for service to the Oregon chapter of APTA. He holds a trademark in dual task rehabilitation and has a patent pending on the same. Over his career, Mike has authored over 40 articles, 7 book chapters, and routinely has clinical research projects in affiliation with one of many universities. He is a consultant to professional athletes including Major League Baseball players, competitive divers, and some of the most prolific climbers in world history. As a very fun and lighthearted note, Mike is the four time and current WR holder for the fastest underwater treadmill marathon, a mark that was set most recently in January 2022. Most recently, Mike authored The Brain That Chooses Itself, a practical and applications-based guide to increasing both healthspan and lifespan for laypersons and medical professionals alike.  

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Mike Studer is the co-founding member and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness and has employment relationships with Touro University, the University of Nevada, and Post Acute Medical. He previously received a speaking honorarium from SMARTFit. Mike Studer receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and a consulting fee from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Mike Studer is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Vestibular Disorders Association, and the Oregon Physical Therapy Association. He serves on the advisory board of Rehab Management and ADVANCE.

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Objectives

1. Identify essential neuro evaluation tools for conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Guillain-Barré syndrome, and vertigo, to ensure accurate and time-efficient diagnosis to improve function.
2. Develop a systematic framework to transition from evaluation to treatment, incorporating evidence-based functional interventions for patients with neuropathy, degenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis), and complex neuro presentations.
3. Determine red flags in neurological conditions, including nighttime symptoms, emergent motor and sensory signs, incontinence, or sudden changes in cognitive function.

Outline

Learn to Listen

• Many neurologic impairments reveal themselves in our patient’s words
• The subjective examination is the start, and often the headlight pointing our examination

Neuro with Trauma (Emergent Cases)

• TBI (traumatic brain injury): Rapidly identify critical signs and symptoms
• SCI (spinal cord injury): Focus on tools to evaluate motor and sensory impairments
• Peripheral nerve injury: Efficiently localize the injury and understand its functional impact

Neuro Without Trauma (Emergent Atraumatic Cases)

• Stroke: Master a proven, systematic approach to evaluate and act quickly
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Recognize early indicators and patterns of weakness
• Seizure disorders: Confidently assess and address post-episode presentations
• Vertigo: differentiate between peripheral and central causes with precision

Neuro Insidious Red Flags

• Cancer: Detect subtle signs that signal systemic involvement
• Mental status deterioration: Assess cognitive changes with practical, time-efficient tools
• Neuropathy: Identify distinguishing features of progressive and reversible cases
• Degenerative diseases (MS, ALS, PD): Evaluate progression and functional changes
• Progressive conditions (emergent):
  • Identify sensory losses in the extremities that are progressing or extending
  • Recognize new incontinence when combined with other signs like falls, cognitive changes, or sensory deficits
  • Act quickly in cases of bilateral motor loss or a sudden increase in fall frequency
• Progressive conditions (non-emergent):
  • Detect sensory changes paired with skin discoloration
  • Address bilateral presentations of new onset symptoms with a thorough, systematic approach
  • Identify chronotropic incompetence or subtle changes in cognition, motor ability, sensory integration, or affect

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Neuro Unknowns and Need-to-Knows

• Functional neurologic disorders (FND):
  • Differentiate functional presentations from organic ones
  • PEM (post-exertional malaise) & POTS: Assess autonomic and exertion-related challenges
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME): Address sensory and activity limitations effectively

Clinical Integration and Rapid Decision-Making Framework

• Learn a streamlined approach to choose the most critical evaluations for each case
• Build confidence in translating results into actionable treatment plans
• Develop a triage mindset to quickly determine when immediate intervention or referral is required
• Strategies for differential diagnosis and when to pivot your approach in complex cases

Target Audience

• Athletic Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Exercise Physiologists
• Nurse Practitioners
• Nurses
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Physician Assistants
• Physicians
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Strength and Conditioning Coaches
• Other Rehabilitation and Fitness Professionals