Total Credits: 2
Dr. Schneider will present an overview of the epidemiology and prevalence of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). He will also review the anatomy of the cervical spine, carotid and vertebral arteries, and explain the pathophysiology of the process and progression of arterial dissection. Dr. Schneider has performed a comprehensive search of the current scientific literature regarding the topic of VAD and will present multiple references that conclude there is a genetic predisposition for VAD. There is clear evidence that VAD is found in higher prevalence among patients with genetically determined connective tissue disorders such as Fibromuscular Dysplasia, Marfan’s Syndrome, and Ehler-Danlos Syndrome.
An important component of Dr. Schneider’s presentation will be a review of the scientific evidence regarding the poor sensitivity and specificity of so-called “screening tests” for VAD. He will discuss the importance of differentiating between the symptoms/clinical presentation of dissection and stroke. This will include a case report that he published of a patient with a VAD in progress that was missed misdiagnosed by an emergency department, only to be properly diagnosed by an astute chiropractor. He will also review the baseline characteristics of over 500 patients with VAD that were obtained from a retrospective review of hospital records. Lastly, he will wrap up his presentation with a discussion about the medico-legal implications of maintaining clear documentation of the chiropractic examination and treatment notes, and the issue of standard of care.
2 CEUS/ Will be recorded
Michael Schneider practiced as a Doctor of Chiropractic for over 25 years before becoming a fulltime academic researcher and professor at Pitt and now director of the Doctor of Chiropractic program. He received his PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and a Certificate in Clinical Research from the Institute for Clinical Research Education in 2009. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications.
Schneider brings existing NIH funding to the Doctor of Chiropractic program to lead chiropractic research and oversee postdoctoral researchers. Schneider has a strong record of NIH funding from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the Patient Centered Outcomes and Research Institute (PCORI) as both principal investigator and co-investigator.
Schneider has taught post-graduate chiropractic continuing education courses for over 25 years. Over the past six years, he has co-led the Pitt Primary Spine Practitioner certificate program that brings together physical therapists and chiropractors from around the country, Europe and the Middle East to train as first-contact providers for patients with spinal problems.
Schneider has received both the Presidential Award and Researcher of the Year Award from the American Chiropractic Association. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from American Public Health Association, Chiropractic Health Care Section.