Education Center

Dysautonomia Webinar Part 1 - Navigating the Evaluation of Dysautonomia Across All Levels of Complexity

 Autonomic dysfunction is a rapidly evolving area in medicine due to improved understanding of its role in persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) and long-COVID. Approximately 70 million people worldwide are affected by autonomic disorders. The umbrella term dysautonomia is inclusive of more than 15 subtypes associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), with three of the most prevalent being Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Orthostatic Hypotension (OH). Dysautonomia is often triggered by various neurological conditions or immune system responses such as brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease, as well as viral infections including COVID-19. As recognition improves, some patients will be identified as having autonomic dysfunction and may present with only mild symptoms. However, the majority of patients experience impairment across multiple domains impacting quality of life and community participation with the level of disability being compared to CHF and COPD. Although there is no known cure, prescribed symptom-guided progressive physical exercise is currently accepted as the most effective treatment to improve ANS regulation, regardless of clinical presentation or reported symptoms. Strategies for identifying and managing dysautonomia have been proposed in the literature, with recent updates providing clearer guidelines to physical therapists in clinical management of this evolving condition.

Course Recorded June 2024

Lauren Ziaks

PT, DPT, ATC, NCS

Park City Hospital, Intermountain Health, Canyons Region

Dr. Lauren Ziaks earned a Bachelors in Athletic Training and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with a concentration in Business, from Northeastern University. Since 2015, Dr. Ziaks has built a specialized comprehensive concussion management program which she now leads at Park City Hospital. She has also served as a lab instructor and guest lecturer for multiple universities over a 10 year period. Her clinical focus is in autonomic disorders and vision and vestibular rehabilitation to address chronic headaches, difficulty with school/work, reading deficits, attention deficits, exercise intolerance, and dizziness and balance issues post head trauma. Dr. Ziaks’ research focuses on examination and treatment of concussion and dysautonomia, which has been disseminated as peer-reviewed publications, poster presentations and conference workshops at local, state and national levels. Her speaking experience includes poster presentations at 10 state and national conferences, workshop presentations at state and national conferences including CSM 2023 and 2024, development of a CEU approved course for PTWebucation and presentations at local and institution-based conferences for more than 6 years.

Lauren has completed paid and unpaid speaking engagements for dysautonomia and concussion management and has written educational content for both disorders.

Jenna Tucker

PT, DPT, NCS, CBIS

Department of Physical Therapy, Kean University

Dr. Jenna Tucker is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Kean University, where she has served as the Neurological Content Coordinator since 2019. Dr. Tucker earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with a minor in psychology, from Northeastern University in 2011. Her clinical practice has included inpatient, outpatient and home-care rehabilitation for adults with neurologic dysfunction, specializing in brain injury. She has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy since 2014 and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist since 2012. She is a member of the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey Board of Trustees. Dr. Tucker’s research focuses on brain injury rehabilitation and examination/treatment of dysautonomia. Her speaking experience includes workshop symposia at national and state-wide conferences, poster presentations at international, national and state-wide conferences.

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Navigating the evaluation of Dysautonomia across all levels of Complexity Hot Topic Webinar
Open to view video.
Open to view video. PART 1 of this Webinar series will aim to improve clinician awareness and understanding of the common autonomic dysfunction subtypes and outline examination techniques.
Webinar Evaluation
9 Questions
9 Questions Completion of this evaluation will help with the development of additional courses.
Post Test
10 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  7/10 points to pass
10 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  7/10 points to pass Must receive a 70% pass rate to receive the CEU/Contact hour certificate
Completion Certificate/CEU
0.10 Contact Hours/CEU credits  |  Certificate available
0.10 Contact Hours/CEU credits  |  Certificate available