Introduction

The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. It contains three anatomically distinct divisions: the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems. Spinal cord injury affects the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and can result in cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary dysfunction. This course provides a comprehensive review of the impact spinal cord injury can have on the autonomic nervous system.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the key features of the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system and how at least three body systems can be impacted by autonomic dysfunction following spinal cord injury
• interpret information in a given case study to determine the influence of spinal cord injury on the autonomic nervous system using the International Standards to document Autonomic Function following SCI (ISAFSCI)
• identify key signs of autonomic dysreflexia, short-term management options and potential complications

Target audience

This course is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.2 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Melanie Harding (Skeen): No financial relationships disclosed by instructor.
Non-financial disclosure: Melanie Harding is the Chairman of SASCA (Southern African Spinal Cord Association)

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.