Concussion Treatment Series

Mastering Concussions with Dr. Ayla Wolf

By Ayla Wolf

NCCAOM (13.5), Standard Certificate (13.5)
Access Period: Lifetime
Series Length: 13.5hrs

Series Overview

Concussions are one of the most complex injuries a patient can experience. Learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat these complex cases with modern neuroscience based acupuncture and herbs.

This series will do a deep dive into the following:
The pathophysiology of concussions
Diagnosis and assessment of concussions
Making sense of symptoms through understanding the clincial profiles of concussion
Understanding the difference between post-traumatic headaches and migraines
The overlap between whiplash and concussions
Treating post-traumatic headaches
Treating post-traumatic neck injuries
Working with people with cognitive dysfunction

Cognitive Dysfunction

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of cognitive dysfunction. acupuncture points for increasing cerebral blood flow will be discussed, alongside an electro-acupuncture protocol to enhance blood flow to the prefrontal cortex.
Total CPDs: 5.5
NCCAOM (5.5), Standard Certificate (5.5)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 5.5hrs
Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of cognitive dysfunction, examining its clinical presentation in detail. Participants will explore the 15 aspects of executive functioning. Moreover, the roles of key brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, parietal lobes, temporal lobes, and cerebellum in learning and cognition will be elucidated, offering insights into the neural underpinnings of cognitive function. Participants will gain insights into the utility of neurocognitive testing as a valuable tool for tracking healing and changes in cognitive function. Through functional examination, the course will spotlight the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, shedding light on their roles in cognitive processes and dysfunction. The course will delve into the intricate relationship between cerebral blood flow and cognitive function, particularly following concussions. We will cover acupuncture strategies for treating disorders of consciousness. Specific acupuncture points for increasing anterior and posterior cerebral blood flow will be discussed, alongside an electro-acupuncture protocol designed to enhance blood flow to the prefrontal cortex. Through this comprehensive curriculum, participants will emerge equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively address cognitive dysfunction using acupuncture and complementary modalities.

Course Objectives

  • Learn the 15 aspects of executive function.
  • Learn functional methods of testing the prefrontal cortex.
  • Learn acupuncture points for increased anterior cerebral blood flow.
  • Learn acupuncture points for increasing posterior cerebral blood flow.
  • Learn modern research on acupuncture for disorders of consciousness.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 1 hrs
An introduction to cognitive symptoms and the clinical presentation of cognitive dysfunction following concussions.
1 hrs - 2 hrs
Learn functional bedside methods of assessing the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum and other key regions related to cognition.
2 hrs - 3 hrs
Learn acupuncture points for increased anterior cerebral blood flow.
3 hrs - 4 hrs
Learn acupuncture points for increasing posterior cerebral blood flow.
4 hrs - 5.5 hrs
A discussion on modern research on acupuncture for disorders of consciousness, and an applicable case study is presented.

Dysautonomia - A Clinical Guide for Acupuncturists

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction and dysautonomia is often at the root of many post-concussion symptoms, and yet, it is also commonly missed by conventional examination. This knowledge-packed course provides a deep dive into dysautonomia.
Standard Certificate (13.25), NCCAOM (13)
Access Period: Lifetime
Course Length: 13.25hrs
Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

Course Overview

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is often at the root of many post-concussion symptoms, and yet, it is also commonly missed by conventional examination. Learn how to assess and support patients with dysautonomia in this knowledge-packed course. Please note: This course can be taken as a stand-alone course for those interested in Dysautonomia. Topics Covered: (1) An essential overview of the autonomic nervous system and acupunctures effects on the central autonomic network (2) Bedside functional assessments of the ANS (3) Orthostatic hypotension, vaso-vagal syncope, and POTS (including different sub-types) (4) Using the Compass-31 as a framework for identifying 6 domains of ANS dysregulation, and TCM correlations. (5)Traditional East Asian Medicine Differential Diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension, vaso-vagal syncope, POTS, and other dysautonomia presentations (6) Treatment strategies using acupuncture and herbs (7) Common medications and drug-herb considerations (8) The role of graded exercise therapy

Course Objectives

  • Learn the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the autonomic nervous system, along with disorders of the autonomic nervous system and different types of dysautonomia.
  • Learn how acupuncture affects the autonomic nervous system according to high quality research studies.
  • Learn TCM differential diagnosis patterns commonly seen in dysautonomia.
  • Learn screenings and assessments for the autonomic nervous system.
  • Learn both TCM and biomedical strategies for supporting people with autonomic nervous system dysfunction including Chinese herbal medicine, medications, graded exercise, compression garments, and more.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 2 hrs
Lesson 1: Learn the neuroanatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system. We then apply this knowledge to understand acupuncture's effect on the ANS, based upon research over the last 20 years.
2 hrs - 3.5 hrs
Lesson 2: Learn to distinguish the different types of dysautonomia, including POTS, POTS + mast-cell activation syndrome, autoimmune disorders, orthostatic intolerance, and neurogenic syncope.
3.5 hrs - 5.5 hrs
Lesson 3: Learn how concussions cause dysautonomia. Learn how to use the Compass-31 screening tool in your clinical practice.
5.5 hrs - 7.5 hrs
Lesson 4: Learn functional assessments of the autonomic nervous system. These include the sustained 5-minute hand grip test, deep breathing, valsalva testing and more.
7.5 hrs - 9 hrs
Lesson 5: Learn how to utilize acupuncture for autonomic nervous system dysfunction. We cover disharmony patterns, pulse diagnosis, and key acupuncture strategies.
9 hrs - 10.5 hrs
Lesson 6: Learn herbal strategies for dysautonomia, orthostatic hypotension, vaso-vagal syncope and the different sub-types of POTS based on TCM differential diagnosis and the 6 domains of symptoms in the Compass-31 Questionnaire.
10.5 hrs - 12.5 hrs
Lesson 7: A continuation of Lesson 6.
12.5 hrs - 13.25 hrs
Lesson 8: Understand common medications used for orthostatic hypotension and POTS, and important drug-herb considerations. Additional supportive tools and therapies for autonomic nervous system dysfunction will be covered.

Disclaimers:

Accessing Your Series
After checking out, your email address will be sent to Net of Knowledge securely and you will gain instant access to your series. If you do not have a Net of Knowledge account yet, one will be created for you automatically and you will receive an email with a link to set up your password. Log in to your account at netofknowledge.com and start learning!
Unlimited Access and CEUs
You will have unlimited access to this series for as long as it is on Net of Knowledge, so that you can keep reviewing and learning from it over the years. CEU requirements must be completed within 1 year from the purchase. During this time, you must view the training and complete any required documents to get your certificate. You must also print and save your certificate for your own records. Each individual course has a separate certificate of completion. There is no certificate for the entire series.
Cancellation Policy
Please note we do not offer refunds for our recorded online courses/webinars.
Note
These recordings are available in an online format only; you will not receive a DVD or physical copy of the recording – they are only available to watch on the internet through your online account.

Taught by Ayla Wolf

Dr. Wolf is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine specializing in neurological disorders, chronic pain, and concussion recovery. She is a faculty member of the Carrick Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation.
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