On-Demand Webinar

The Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the Peripheral Nervous System:      Implications for the Upper Extremity 

Presented by Mia Erickson, PT, CHT, EdD

The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection are widespread and include multiple systems, including the nervous system. The purpose of this course will be to describe the effects the virus has on the peripheral nervous specifically in the upper extremity. Several hypotheses for pathogenesis will be presented and well as the variety of clinical presentations that can manifest post infection. The course will include a review of case studies for each condition of the peripheral nervous system that have been published since the beginning of the pandemic to demonstrate the unique effects of the virus on the neuromuscular system. 

Objectives: 

1. Describe the hypotheses surrounding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the peripheral nervous system
2. Describe the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve conditions that can occur as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection
3. Examine strategies for differential diagnosis for peripheral nerve conditions including small-fiber neuropathy, Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, and positioning-related brachial plexopathy
4. Examine peripheral nerve conditions that arise due to critical illness and their effects on the neuromuscular system
5. Compare imaging and electrodiagnostic studies for different peripheral nerve conditions

Speaker Bio:  Mia Erickson, PT, CHT, EdD is a tenured Professor and the Assistant Director of the Physical Therapy Program at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. She has been practicing in the field of hand therapy for 25 years and has taught upper extremity content to hundreds of entry-level students and practicing therapists. She received her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in secondary education from West Virginia University and a physical therapy degree from University of Indianapolis. Dr. Erickson has also published over 20 peer-reviewed articles including the Clinical Practice Guideline on carpal tunnel syndrome published in 2019. Dr. Erickson is co-author on the chapters on Compression Neuropathies and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity, and she had provided numerous lectures on this topic and other topics related to translating research evidence into clinical practice at the at the national level. Dr. Erickson is a regular contributor to the REACH newsletter published by the IFSHT. She is a 2020 recipient of an outstanding service award from the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and a 2022 recipient of an outstanding service award from the Academy of Hand and Upper Extremity Physical Therapy.

One contact hour of Continuing Education will be awarded to those attending/viewing this webinar in it's entirety and completing a quiz with a score of 80% or higher.  Please complete the information below to finish your registration, receive the webinar link, quiz and certificate information.  Should you have any questions or difficulties contact [email protected]  

The Live Webinar was recorded July 18, 2022.   The On-Demand session will open August 1, 2022.