Autonomic Dysfunction in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Course overview

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has central nervous system components and peripheral nervous system components (both sympathetic and parasympathetic responses), all of which could be affected by neurologic conditions. Physical therapy activities that are commonly affected by ANS dysfunction include postural transitions (supine or sitting to standing) and exercise. This course reviews common ANS-driven hypotensive and hypertensive responses that may be observed in physical therapy practice and strategies for addressing them.