Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2008
Check-In Time(s): 7:30am-8:00am
Class Time(s): 8:00am-12:30pm
Location: 323 Stinson Blvd, Rooms 106 and 107

Speaker(s):
Sarah Stranberg, M.A., CCC-SLP is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University. She has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for 13 years with significant experience in neurogenic communication disorders and rehabilitation in critical care. Based on her expertise with communication and swallowing disorders in medically acute patients, she is currently a Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Specialist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. In her current position, Sarah works closely with a number of acute medical/surgical departments with notable time spent with the Departments of Neurosurgery, Neurology and Critical Care. She has done numerous presentations at local and national conferences in addition to providing educational lectures for rehabilitation staff and physicians. Sarah has enjoyed her involvement with the Brain Tumor Center at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, and the opportunity to work with an experienced multidisciplinary team of professionals committed to improving the outcomes of individuals with brain tumors.

Course Description:
As medical technology advances and management options for patients with brain tumors have increased, many of these individuals will present with functional deficits that are related to the disease process or the medical-surgical treatments themselves. While there are significant numbers of scientific studies published regarding the differential diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, there has been much less research regarding the functional rehabilitation of these individuals. Increasing numbers of recently published studies have demonstrated the beneficial outcomes of rehabilitation for patients with brain tumors. Rehabilitation staff across the continuum of care need to be knowledgeable regarding the numerous types of brain tumors, current medical diagnostic procedures, medical-surgical treatment options and the potential for functional deficits that have can significantly impact quality of life. The purpose of this presentation will be to review the incidence data, differential diagnosis, and treatment for brain tumors with emphasis on relevant neuroanatomy, functional deficits, and rehabilitation outcomes. This presentation will provide a thorough review of previously published literature regarding rehabilitation outcome data. There will discussion of issues with both adult and pediatric patient populations. Finally, the course will conclude with an overview of resources available to therapists and individuals coping with brain tumors.
*This course is eligible for AOTA and APTA Approved Provider credit. The assignment of AOTA or APTA CEU's does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA or APTA.*

Course Objectives:
After completing this course, participants will be able to;
1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of common types of brain tumors.
2. Describe treatment options for patients with brain tumors and the potential side effects of treatment.
3. Discuss research evidence regarding the rehabilitation and outcomes of patients with brain tumors.
4. Identify resources and support services for patients with brain tumors.

Course Agenda: