Neuro Navigators: A Medbridge Podcast

On this episode of Neuro Navigators,⁠ Kristen Keech⁠ and⁠ Jessica Asiello⁠ join host ⁠J. J. Mowder-Tinney ⁠to tackle a vital and often misunderstood topic: disorders of consciousness (DoC). Together, we bust myths, consider ethical challenges, and offer actionable insights grounded in cutting-edge research, including recent clinical practice guidelines. How can we ensure equitable access to treatment and avoid strikingly common pitfalls like misdiagnosis or premature withdrawal of care? Tune in to explore evidence-based practices, practical strategies, and inspiring examples that challenge us to rethink what’s possible for these patients.Learning ObjectivesInterpret the evidence around rehab professionals’ role in assessment and recovery of consciousnessApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address gaps in knowledge translation to ensure implementation of best practices when managing individuals with disorders of consciousnessSolve patient case scenarios involving individuals at various levels of consciousnessTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:50) Introduction to guests and disorders of consciousness (DoC)(00:02:20) Personal journeys and passion for DoC(00:06:05) Misconceptions and clinical questions(00:09:23) Assessment techniques and team collaboration(00:13:29) Recent research and evidence-based practice(00:23:10) Understanding disorders of consciousness(00:25:33) Multimodal approaches in rehabilitation(00:27:45) Assessment tools and techniques(00:29:13) Importance of documentation(00:31:45) Individualizing patient care(00:33:15) Engaging families in therapy(00:36:25) Overcoming barriers in treatment(00:39:58) Empowering clinicians(00:41:14) Actionable takeaways for clinicians(00:43:17) Case studies in practice(00:49:11) Final thoughts and inspirationResources Mentioned in Episode⁠Practice guideline update recommendations summary: Disorders of consciousness⁠Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Navaigators, visit⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

In this episode we welcome Dr. Candace (Candy) Tefertiller, an expert in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, to explore the exciting potential of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) in augmenting motor recovery. Candy breaks down the mechanisms behind TSS, offers insights into the latest research, and shares the current and emerging clinical applications of this noninvasive technique. Together with host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, we dig into key considerations for therapists, including patient outcomes, and strategies for keeping a pulse on relevant research. Listen in to learn how TSS might be the next innovative intervention to augment SCI recovery.Learning ObjectivesInterpret the evidence around the underlying mechanism associated with noninvasive spinal stimulation to facilitate sensory and motor recovery after SCIApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address motor recovery and activation after SCI, with a focus on enhancing functional outcomes in daily activitiesSolve patient case scenarios involving individuals with limited voluntary motor activation after SCITimestamps:(00:00:00) Welcome(00:0049) Introduction to guest(00:03:05) Background and research focus(00:06:14) The impact of noninvasive spinal stimulation(00:10:04) Understanding transcutaneous spinal stimulation mechanisms(00:14:03) Comparing noninvasive and invasive spinal stimulation(00:15:54) Patient tolerance and individual variability in stimulation(00:18:01) Distinguishing between spinal and peripheral nerve stimulation(00:20:57) Current research status and future directions(00:25:38) Understanding noninvasive spinal stimulation(00:27:48) Research insights and case studies(00:30:55) Impact on spasticity and functional improvements(00:37:16) Key considerations for therapists(00:45:30) Real-world applications and patient engagement(00:48:51) The future of physical therapy and researchNeuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigatorsIf you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Herbert Karpatkin, PT, DSc, NCS, GCS, MSCS, joins J.J. Mowder-Tinney to share his expertise on improving mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Herb discusses the common misconceptions about MS in physical therapy and offers practical strategies, including interval training and task-specific exercises, to enhance patient outcomes. Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence around how to improve mobility and exercise tolerance in people with MS Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address fatigue to increase exercise intensity for people with MS Solve patient case scenarios involving MS focusing on exercise, rest, and functional outcomes Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:00:58) Introduction to guest (00:03:33) Is there anything we should be questioning as clinicians in regard to people with MS? (00:08:05) What’s the evidence and application? (00:16:50) Translating research into clinical practice (00:26:21) Fatigue measures and scales (00:36:21) Three actionable takeaways (00:45:00) Final words of wisdom Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Darcy Reisman, a leading expert in post-stroke rehabilitation from the University of Delaware, shares vital insights on enhancing walking recovery post-stroke. She discusses the crucial differences between walking capacity and real-life performance, emphasizing the importance of behavioral interventions. Dr. Reisman highlights goal-setting techniques and motivational interviewing to empower patients during recovery. She advocates for heart rate monitoring to personalize therapy and improve outcomes, bridging the gap between clinical practice and everyday performance.

Dr. Carole Lewis, an esteemed expert in geriatric rehabilitation, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney to discuss practical pearls for managing frailty, deconditioning, and sarcopenia in older adults. Drawing on Dr. Lewis’s extensive clinical experience and research, this episode is jam-packed with key outcome measures, targeted interventions, and strategies to empower your patients toward greater independence. Listen and learn from a conversation centered around bringing hope and skill to a population that too many people overlook and underestimate. Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence around older adults with sarcopenia, deconditioning, and frailty Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to facilitate improved participation in daily activities for older adults with sarcopenia, deconditioning, and frailty Solve patient case scenarios involving older adults with sarcopenia, deconditioning, and frailty Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction and Overview (00:09:00) The Clinical Challenge of Working With Frail and Deconditioned Patients (00:13:20) Assessing Frailty, Deconditioning, and Sarcopenia (00:18:24) Practical Tools for Assessing Frailty, Deconditioning, and Sarcopenia (00:27:31) Documenting and Communicating the Presence of Frailty, Deconditioning, and Sarcopenia (00:30:22) Intervention Strategies (00:50:15) Top Takeaways (00:51:30) Case Study (00:55:50) Final Words of Wisdom Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

In this discussion, occupational therapist Melissa Kimmerling, a neurorehabilitation expert, shares her insights on cueing strategies that enhance client independence, particularly for those with cognitive challenges. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication, adaptive methods, and the role of teamwork in therapy. The podcast delves into practical applications of recent research and addresses the complexities of cognitive impairments, like freezing of gait in Parkinson's clients. Additionally, it advocates for strengths-based approaches to unlock patient potential.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rebecca Bliss, an expert in concussion management across the lifespan. J.J. Mowder-Tinney engages Becky in a deep dive into recent research and practical tips, including the importance of incorporating functional assessment of symptomatology, principles of neuroplasticity, and early active rehabilitation into patient care. Discover key insights and techniques to enhance your concussion management practices, whether working with tactical athletes or older adults. Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:01:03) Introduction to guest (00:06:29) Importance of discussing approaches to concussion management (00:10:14) History and use of the Concussion Clinical Profile Screening Tool (CCPST) (00:20:58) Consensus statements and guidelines for concussion management (00:33:00) Applying principles of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation (00:43:00) Actionable takeaways (00:47:08) Case scenario (00:56:50) Final thoughts Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence related to active rehabilitation strategies to optimize outcomes for patients with concussive injury Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address clinical trajectories following concussion injury Solve patient case scenarios involving protracted symptoms following concussion Resources Mentioned in Episode Concussion Clinical Profiles Screening (CP Screen) Tool Experienced Clinical Decision-Making in Physical Therapist Management of Concussion: A Qualitative Study University of Missouri: Concussion Care ECHO Neuro Navigators is brought to you by MedBridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your MedBridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on MedBridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Neuro Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators If you’d like to subscribe to MedBridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Angela Reimer, an expert in mental health and post-stroke care, joins J.J. Mowder-Tinney to discuss the ongoing needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers. They dive into the importance of ongoing support post-rehabilitation and the emotional challenges this community faces. Angie shares innovative strategies like tailored education and mood assessments to enhance recovery. They also emphasize the role of support groups and community connections in fostering well-being, empowering patients to thrive beyond their initial recovery.

Join J.J. Mowder-Tinney and Rebekah Griffith as they delve into practicing physical and occupational therapy in the emergency department, discussing integrating research findings, addressing social determinants of health, differential diagnosis, and patient case scenarios. Learn about the evidence behind therapy benefits, practical strategies, and providing top-of-scope care in a chaotic ED environment.

Valerie Carter, a passionate expert on Parkinson’s disease, discusses the importance of fall prevention and tests for identifying fall risk in PD. Topics include backward walking, dual-task assessment, and personalized treatments. The podcast highlights the collaboration between healthcare professionals, tailored treatments, optimizing medication and therapy, cognitive dual-task training, gradual intensity increase, and the impact therapists can have on individuals with Parkinson's disease.