MicroTransponder is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 11815. This Distance Learning - Independent activity is offered at .15 CEUs, introductory level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.
Course Overview
This AOTA-approved continuing education class reviews efficacious, evidence-based strategies that drive neuroplastic change resulting in improved upper limb functional recovery after stroke. Clinical impairments, typical recovery timelines, and the phases of spontaneous recovery are discussed, highlighting the critical early sensitive window when the brain is most primed to heal.
Participants will examine the latest advances in pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with rehabilitation therapy, as well as explore recent evidence on long-term functional motor outcomes — which shows that without timely and sufficient therapy, many patients lose early gains within five years, often returning to disability levels seen just weeks post-stroke.
By integrating these insights, clinicians will gain practical guidance on how to select appropriate patients, time interventions effectively, and deliver therapy that maximizes recovery potential and helps sustain functional improvements for the long term.
The online class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the rehabilitation of a patient or client. To participate in this CEU and receive credit, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Completion of this course will reward the participant with .15 CEUs or 1.5 contact hours, following completion of the presentation, post course evaluation, and a ≥ 80% score on the quiz.
Course curriculum
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Overview
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Learning Outcomes
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Presentation Manual and References
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Watch Course
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Course Review
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Quiz
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Course Feedback
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About this course
- 1.5 Contact Hours / .15 CEUs
- Online Self-Study Course
- Speaker Video and Slide Content
Learning Outcomes
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List 4 clinical impairments that are commonly seen following stroke.
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Identify the principles of neuroplasticity and its role in rehabilitation.
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Recognize the clinical and functional criteria required for patients to be deemed appropriate to receive electrical nerve stimulation.
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Recall the evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of electrical nerve stimulation on improved occupational performance in chronic ischemic stroke.
Instructor(s)
Isha Vora
OTR/L
Isha is an occupational therapist and 4th year Ph.D. Candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences working under Dr. Teresa Kimberley at MGH IHP. Isha received her BS in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and her MS in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. She worked at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for 4.5 years in acute care neurology and neurosurgery before joining the Ph.D. program at the IHP. Her research interests and dissertation work center around understanding the neurophysiologic
Dr. Gerard Francisco
MD
Dr. Gerard Francisco is one of the nation’s leading physicians in the field of brain injury medicine, stroke rehabilitation and spasticity management. He is Chairman and Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Dr. Francisco is also the Chief Medical Officer and Director of the UTHealth NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann. He is President-elect of the 30,000-member International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. In addition to spasticity studies, his current research include neuromodulation and technology-assisted rehabilitation.