Biography:

Dr. Sandro Iannaccone is a neurologist who received his medical training at the University of Milan (Italy) and completed his residency in Neurology in July 1986 and further specialized in Neuropathology in 1992. Since 1989, Dr. Iannaccone has been working as a contract Professor of Neurology at the Medical and Psychological Faculties of the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele of Milan. Dr. Iannaccone became Responsible of the Neurologic Unit of the San Raffaele Turro Hospital in 1999. In 2013, he became Director of the Neurorehabilitation Unit of the San Raffaele Hospital. Since 2014, Dr. Iannaccone is also the President of the Scientific Society entitled Association of Medical Rehabilitation Specialists of Private Hospitals (Associazione Medici Riabilitatori Specialisti dell’Ospedalità Privata). In a research point of view, Dr. Iannaccone is leading research and development of innovative rehabilitative strategies using new technologies based on virtual reality. He is also leading trials on new – pharmacological and non-pharmacological - therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Iannaccone has also been involved in investigations in early detection of neurological degenerative disease biomarkers through neuropathological, proteomics and PET studies.

Abstract:

Over the last years, there has been increasing developments of new technologies to provide solutions to the limitations of standard rehabilitation (drop-outs, limited evaluation scores, or physical limitations of therapists) to enhance learning following neurological insults. To this aim, virtual reality (VR) settings provide an enriched environment able to generate augmented multisensory feedbacks (auditory, visual and proprioceptive). These settings, involving the mirror neurons system, help patients to develop a real-time "knowledge of results” and "knowledge of performance”, favoring the physiological mechanism of reinforcement learning. Such innovative strategies can be applied directly in the rehabilitation of motor, cognitive and speech functions, as well as in chronic pain treatment. Moreover, standard or virtual reality-based neurorehabilitation can be potentiated through the concomitant application of non-invasive brain stimulation, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Indeed, the NeuroAD system offers the possibility of applying cortical stimulation during cognitive training. TDCS can also be applied on-line, during motor or cognitive rehabilitation. Moreover, as a portable device, it also brings the opportunity to the patient to be applied at home. Thus, the development of new technologies in NeuroRehabilitation is converging towards multimodal treatments offering the possibility of home-based monitoring.

Biography:

Joshua K. Underwood, ABD is the Head Athletic Trainer at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont USA and is currently pursuing his doctorate of athletic training at the University of Idaho. He has worked in in a variety of clinical settings over the last 12 years including semi-professional football, summer collegiate baseball, adventure camps, secondary schools, and orthopedic clinics. He specializes in treating regional interdependent dysfunctions, concussions, orthopedic injuries, and fascia with a variety of treatments including Positional Release Therapy, Primal Reflex Release Technique, and Mulligan Concept. Mr. Underwood’s primary areas of research have focused on the treatment of concussions with manual therapy and the treatment of regional independent causation of pain or dysfunction.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Due to the comparable somatic presentation and biomechanical nature of concussions, cervicogenic headaches (CGH), tension-type headaches (TTH), cervicogenic vertigo (CGV), and whiplash, it is conceivable that cranial and/or cervical-based dysfunctions can occur secondarily to concussions and increase somatic symptom presentation. Fascial restrictions found within cervical and cranial structures have been found to increase biotensegrital tensions along cranial nerves and vestibular systems; however, fascial release techniques like Positional Release Therapy (PRT) have been found to be an effective treatment in reducing symptoms related to CGH, TTH, CGV, and whiplash. The purpose of this study is to examine the post intervention effect of PRT in resolving somatic symptoms (i.e- headaches, vertigo, hyperacusis, and photosensitivity) associated with concussions in a secondary school setting. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: An action research study utilizing numerical rating scale (NRS) and post-concussion symptom score (PCSS) to measure changes to headaches, vertigo, nausea, hyperacusis, and/or photosensitivity pre/post PRT interventions. Findings: The participants in this study were of an active population within a secondary school setting. Statistically significant decreases in intensity of headaches, nausea, vertigo, hyperacusis, and photosensitivity were witnessed by outcome measures between pre/post PRT interventions. Conclusion & Significance: Patients suffering from symptoms associated with concussions may additionally be affected by cervicogenic and cranial-based fascial restrictions which exacerbates headaches, nausea, vertigo, hyperacucis, and/or photosensitivity. Findings suggest concussion patients may benefit from PRT in reducing somatic symptoms during their recovery.

Biography:

Dr. Arshad Zaman is an experienced neuro specialist with over 15 years’ experience in developing and clinically applying functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at international centers of excellence. Previous studies encompass a spectrum of clinical applications (epilepsy, oncology) to state-of-the-art applications (e.g. pain relief, mental health, brain training). Current commitments centre around further development and clinical utilisation of fMRI.

Abstract:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) is a state-of-the-art functional neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting associated changes in blood flow.

fMRI is increasingly playing a key role in providing a deeper insight into brain function and or functional brain networks. In fact, fMRI has matured over the last two decades from a research tool to a robust powerful clinical technique implemented in a wide spectrum of domains, from judicial, commercial to clinical. There are several new novel clinical applications of fMRI.

The session will cover an introduction to clinical fMRI, clinical and a wide spectrum of recent novel applications (in rehabilitation, neurobehavioural and cognitive disorders, neuropsychology, mental health and psychiatry). This session will spotlight what currently can and can't be done with fMRI.