Evaluation and Management of Head & Neck Lymphedema (Oct 02 - 04, 2020)

Evaluation and Management of Head & Neck Lymphedema is organized by Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy and will be held from Oct 02 - 04, 2020 at Milton J. Dance Jr. Head and Neck Center at GBMC, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America. 

Accreditation:
CEUs for CLTs are provided through the FPTA, AOTA, and NCBTMB. CEUs for SLPs are provided through ASHA (2.0 CEUs - Introductory level, Professional area).

Overview:
Head and Neck Lymphedema (HNL) is a devastating condition that frequently follows surgery or radiation for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Not only can HNL affect the patient’s communication and swallowing function, but in severe cases can affect respiration, vision, and even ambulation, not to mention the frustration and embarrassment that accompanies this disfiguring condition. However, with proper treatment, HNL can typically be reduced to a manageable level. This 2 ½ day workshop will provide the academic foundation and practical application for the therapist to successfully implement basic techniques to reduce the edema that can create such devastating impairments. Therapists will learn about: (1) the basic lymphatic system; (2) evaluation and measurement; (3) Manual Lymph drainage (MLD); (4) compression wraps and garments; (5) documentation and billing

Course Objectives:
• Explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the head and neck lymphatic and venous systems and identify the relevant structures involved in lymphatic drainage.
• Identify the most common forms of head and neck cancer, their treatments and side effects, and their functional impact on communication and swallowing.
• List the various causes of edema in the head and neck and their appropriate treatments.
• Differentiate between typical post-operative edema and lymphedema involving the head and neck.
• Describe the effects of head and neck lymphedema on communication, swallowing, and psychosocial processes.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in assessment and development of a basic treatment plan for a patient with head and neck edema.
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic techniques to reduce edema of the head and neck in order to improve communication and swallowing. These include:
• Manual Lymph Drainage techniques
• Compression wrapping for the head and neck
• Kinesiotaping of the head and neck
• Evaluate a written case study for a patient with head and neck lymphedema and perform an appropriate treatment session for that patient.