243: Using A Sensory-Based Approach For Treating Functional Neurological Disorders
Release Date: 12/09/2024
251: How To Make Life Better For People With PD TODAY With Russell Meyerowitz
I Love Neuro
In this episode, hosts Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean interviewed Russell Meyerowitz, the founder of the Parkinson Wellness Fund, a nonprofit with a mission to help PWP (people with Parkinson’s) by providing funds for services and equipment that will make life better right now. The Parkinson Wellness Fund was born out of Russell's desire to provide immediate relief and support to families affected by Parkinson's, in contrast to the heavy focus on research and finding a "cure" in the other nonprofits in the Parkinson's community. Russell emphasized the need to address the realities of living...
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250: Uncovering The Role Of Speech Therapy In FND With Jenn Freeburn, MS, CCC-SLP
I Love Neuro
In this episode of the I Love Neuro podcast, host Erin Gallardo interviews speech-language pathologist Jenn Freeburn about her work treating patients with functional neurological disorders (FND). Freeburn, a specialist in acquired motor speech and cognitive communication disorders, provides a fascinating overview of the often overlooked role of speech therapy in this complex condition. Freeburn explains that 30-50% of patients with functional motor symptoms may also experience speech-related issues, ranging from stuttering and functional dysarthria to changes in prosody and vocal quality. SLPs...
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249: Navigating The PhD Journey And Advancing Vestibular Expertise With Christina Garrity, PT, DPT, NCS
I Love Neuro
In this episode of the I Love Neuro podcast, host Erin Gallardo sits down with Christina Garrity, PT, DPT, NCS who is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Cincinnati. Christina took an unconventional path into her PhD and has gotten a new appreciation for our profession in the process. She provides insights into the time commitment and coursework involved, highlighting the focus on research ethics, study design, and statistical analysis while also being a clinic owner. While Christina’s outpatient clinic focuses on vestibular patients, her PhD research focuses on stroke and why...
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248: Tackling the Challenges of Treating Ataxia With JJ Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS
I Love Neuro
As rehab professionals, we often face unique challenges when working with patients who have ataxia. In today’s episode Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS, J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS and Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS have a group discussion about working with people with it. One of the primary challenges is that often there can be slow progress. This can be exacerbated by the diverse underlying causes and presentations of ataxia, making it difficult to develop standardized treatment approaches. In today’s show we’ll discuss a couple of main points the research emphasizes to incorporate in...
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247: Follow These 5 Neuroplastic Principles To Improve Patient Outcomes (With Examples!) With Briana Elson, MS, OTR/L
I Love Neuro
In this episode occupational therapist Briana Elson, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS joined host Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS to discuss 5 principles of neuroplasticity and how they can be applied in neurorehabilitation. Note: In a previous episode a different 5 were discussed (see the link to that episode below). No need to listen to the previous episode to get what you need out of this one though! In this episode, we discuss what the principles are and how to apply them to your neuro caseload: 1. Time Matters - Yes we know this, but what does that look like and what if time isn’t on your side? Learn...
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246: Tips For Running An Effective Strength Circuit Class For People With Parkinson’s
I Love Neuro
If you’re looking to develop a strength circuit class for people with neurologic diagnosis this episode is for you! Running a circuit class for people with physical and/or cognitive deficits can have challenges. You need to be mindful in order to ensure safety while also challenging your clients enough to promote change. This episode Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean will break down the method and approach that Claire uses at Rogue PT and Wellness running her 40 weekly exercise classes for people with PD. In the show we’ll break down the types of exercises to include in your circuit, short...
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245: Unlocking The Potential Of Virtual Reality In Neurorehabilitation With Ramiro Maldonado, PT, DPT
I Love Neuro
Curious about how using Virtual reality (VR) could help you with prevention, assessment and treatment of your neuro patients? VR and AR (augmented reality) is emerging as a powerful tool in the world of neurorehabilitation, and Ramiro Maldonado, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with UprightVR, shares the research on the transformative capabilities of this technology. Ramiro highlights how the true power of a good VR system lies in its ability to drive neuroplasticity by creating immersive environments that challenge and retrain sensory systems. By manipulating visual inputs and leveraging...
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244: When Pediatric Clients Grow Up With Cameron Brown, PT, DPT, PCS
I Love Neuro
Are you used to working with adults with neurologic conditions and get intimidated by young adults or those with “pediatric” diagnoses? Many neuro therapists feel like they’re not the best person to help an adult with cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida or other typical diagnoses made in childhood… but they’re wrong! In this episode hosts Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean talk to Cameron Brown, PT, DPT, PCS about care across the lifespan and give you the confidence you need to help these clients. In the show we discuss why neuro therapists are well-equipped to work with younger...
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243: Using A Sensory-Based Approach For Treating Functional Neurological Disorders
I Love Neuro
Working with clients with Functional neurologic disorders (FND) can be confusing and challenging. If you’re stuck and aren’t sure how to help your clients you’ve gotta check out this episode! Occupational therapists and industry leaders in the treatment of FND Julie MacLean and Jessica Ranford discuss their expertise in using a sensory-based approach to treatment. In their work they noticed certain patterns emerging for people experiencing FND. By conducting detailed sensory profiles and histories, the OTs were able to identify patterns in how these patients processed sensory...
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242: Revolutionizing Gait With Variable Friction Shoes With Dr. Tyler Susko Of Cadense
I Love Neuro
Do you work with any clients who have trouble clearing their foot in swing phase of gait? If you said yes, this episode is for you! Dr. Tyler Susko, the founder and CTO of Cadense, Inc. is here to share the fascinating origin story behind Cadense's flagship product - the world's first variable friction shoes. The concept stemmed from Dr. Susko's PhD research at MIT, where he developed the "MIT Skywalker" - a robotic system that allowed patients to walk by dropping the floor during the swing phase. A comment from a research participant led Dr. Susko to create a passive, material-based shoe...
info_outlineWorking with clients with Functional neurologic disorders (FND) can be confusing and challenging. If you’re stuck and aren’t sure how to help your clients you’ve gotta check out this episode! Occupational therapists and industry leaders in the treatment of FND Julie MacLean and Jessica Ranford discuss their expertise in using a sensory-based approach to treatment. In their work they noticed certain patterns emerging for people experiencing FND.
By conducting detailed sensory profiles and histories, the OTs were able to identify patterns in how these patients processed sensory information. Many exhibited heightened sensory sensitivity, sensory avoidance, and low sensory registration - leading to cognitive, emotional, and motor control issues.
The OTs developed a multi-step treatment approach focused on:
1) Increasing patient self-awareness of their sensory processing and arousal levels
2) Exploring individualized sensory strategies to self-regulate
3) Creating personalized "sensory diets" of activities to maintain balance
This sensory-based framework, combined with motor retraining when needed, has been effective in helping FND patients improve their symptoms and expand their participation in daily life.
Overall, this discussion highlighted the valuable role occupational therapy can play in assessing and treating the complex sensory processing difficulties experienced by many individuals with functional neurological disorders.
FND specific resources:
Overcoming Functional Neurological Disorders Workbook, Reset and Rewire: The FND Workbook
OT and sensory processing specific resources:
Living Sensationally: Understanding Your Senses by Winnie Dunn
Sensory Modulation & Environment: Essential Elements of Occupation by Tina Champagne
The Sensory Connection Program and Workbooks by Karen Moore
Recent OT publications:
McCombs KE, MacLean J, Finkelstein SA, Goedeken S, Perez DL, Ranford J.
Neurol Clin Pract. 2024 Jun;14(3):e200286.
Ranford J, MacLean J. Neurol Clin. 2023 Nov;41(4):695-709. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.02.008. Epub 2023 Apr 20
Sensory Processing Difficulties in Functional Neurological Disorder: A Possible Predisposing Vulnerability? Ranford J, MacLean J, Alluri PR, Comeau O, Godena E, LaFrance WC Jr, Hunt A, Stephen CD, Perez DL.Psychosomatics. 2020 Jul-Aug;61(4):343-352.
Occupational therapy consensus recommendations for functional neurological disorder.
Nicholson C, Edwards MJ, Carson AJ, Gardiner P, Golder D, Hayward K, Humblestone S, Jinadu H, Lumsden C, MacLean J, Main L, Macgregor L, Nielsen G, Oakley L, Price J, Ranford J, Ranu J, Sum E, Stone J. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2020 Oct;91(10):1037-1045.