Introduction

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined as a non-progressive injury to the brain which occurred as a result of trauma. It occurs when an external force impacts the brain, & is most often caused by a blow, bump, jolt or penetrating wound to the head. It has been estimated that traumatic brain injury affects over 54 to 60 million people annually leading to either hospitalisation or mortality with low and medium-income countries experiencing nearly three times more cases of traumatic brain injury than high-income countries. It is a complex pathology with many different clinical presentations and best practice requires skills in assessment, treatment and rehabilitation when working with individuals with acute and chronic impairment as a result of a traumatic brain injury.

This programme of four courses will involve around 4-6 hours of work each week (depending on your learning style). For each of the four courses, on passing the final quiz and completing of all of the required learning activities participants will receive a completion certificate as well as CPD points and any CEUs available.

Aims

This programme aims to provide a basic theoretical understanding of the management of traumatic brain injury in order to equip physiotherapists with sufficient knowledge to manage a person following a traumatic brain injury. This includes assessing impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions, setting appropriate goals of treatment, formulating an evidence-based treatment plan, implementing treatment and evaluating its success.

Outline

This programme is made up of the following courses followed by a written assignment. Each course awards a separate completion certificate and completing the entire programme is optional:

1. Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury
2. Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury
3. Management of Traumatic Brain Injury
4. Therapeutic Interventions for Traumatic Brain Injury

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.