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Digital Seminar

Functional Neurologic Disorders in Sport, Ortho and Neuro Across the Lifespan

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If you find that you're not encountering patients with functional neurological disorders (FND), it’s because you're not recognizing them.

FND are unfortunately very common yet poorly understood, representing a spectrum of conditions often hidden in plain sight. They manifest as movement disorders, seizures, and cognitive disruptions, but without visible causes or clear diagnostic markers, many patients feel misunderstood by the healthcare system.

This applications-based training equips you to overcome the inherent barriers in recognizing FND, enabling effective management of their diverse and variable manifestations.

Functional Movement Disorders (FMD) * Functional Seizures (non-epileptiform seizures)
Drop Attacks * Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) * Functional Cognitive Disorders
“The Yips” * “The Twisties”

Bridge the gap between complex neurologic symptoms and effective, personalized treatment strategies as you deepen your expertise:

  • Gain an understanding of the underlying mechanisms, how FND develops and the neurological processes involved 
  • Assessment tips to effectively differentiate dystonia and FND 
  • Specific interventions that have proven efficacy in treating symptoms like functional seizures and PPPD 
  • Integrative approaches for all ages and settings 
  • Tools to manage psychological components such as performance anxiety or nervousness, which interfere with the execution of sport skills 
  • Soft skills for handling sensitive patient interactions, fostering trust with patients who feel passed over by the healthcare system

By the end of this course, you'll not only enhance your clinical acumen but also gain strategic approaches to treatment planning and patient communication that respect the complex nature of FND.

Transform your practice and become a leader in managing and understanding Functional Neurological Disorders, ensuring that no patient feels overlooked.

Here's What You'll Learn


The Umbrella of FNDs: What conditions are included?

  • Functional Movement Disorders (FMD)
  • Functional Seizures (non-epileptiform seizures)
  • Drop Attacks
  • Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
  • Functional Cognitive Disorders
  • “The Yips”
  • “The Twisties”

The Physiology of FNDs: How does an FND start, where does it 'live'?

  • Neural pathways involved in FND
  • Explore brain areas frequently associated with symptom manifestation
  • Do we “blame” the brain or the mind?
  • How is this different from a conversion disorder, psychosomatization

Functional Movement Disorders and Functional Gait Disorders

  • Identification and management of involuntary movements
  • Occupation-based strategies for improving gait patterns and mobility in ADLs

Functional Seizures (Non-Epileptiform Seizures or Psychogenic NES)

  • Differentiation from epileptic seizures
  • Effective communication strategies for crisis management

Drop Attacks

  • Recognizing triggers and patterns of sudden syncopal and drop attacks
  • Is exposure therapy an effective intervention?
  • Integrate functional therapies to enhance safety and independence

Functional Cognitive Disorders

  • Understanding cognitive symptoms without neurological damage
  • Tailoring cognitive therapies to support daily tasks and productivity

The Origin and Presentations of FNDs in Performance Athletes

  • Link between high-performance stress and FND symptoms
  • The vicious cycle of an error

Examination and Confirming an FND: This is a rule-in condition

  • Tools and techniques for diagnosing FND
  • Importance of functional evaluations to guide treatment

The Soft Skills: Analogies, Autonomy, Education and Awareness

  • Including the patient in the diagnosis and treatment plan
  • The expectations: Progression/course for persons with FND
  • Who is to blame?
  • The need for an answer through imaging

Putting it into Action: Case Studies Across the Lifespan:

  • Case studies:
    • Performance Athletes
    • Post-Surgical
    • Spontaneous
    • Those presenting alongside another condition

Focus on achieving occupation-based outcomes through therapy

Q&A

Everything You're Getting


  • More than 6 hours of video content
  • Up to 6.25 CE credits
  • Certificate of completion
  • Handouts and resources

Meet Your Experts


Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA

Toggle speaker biography

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 royalties as a published author. He 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.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Register for this intensive training course without risk. If you're not completely satisfied, give us a call at 800-844-8260.

We’re that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more than you expected.

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Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Product Code:
POS065510
Duration:
6 hours, 48 minutes
Copyright:
Feb 20, 2025
Closed Captions:
Available
Format:
Audio and Video

ADA Needs


We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

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