Orthopedics 222: Dropped Head Syndrome | CCEDseminars

After completing this course, participants should be able to:

• Describe the clinical presentation of dropped head syndrome and its relevance to chiropractic orthopedic evaluation.
• Identify signs and symptoms that may suggest cervical myelopathy or spinal cord involvement.
• Recognize when ALS, motor neuron disease, or neuromuscular conditions should be considered in the differential.
• Apply a structured neuro-orthopedic examination approach for complex cervical spine presentations.
• Differentiate routine musculoskeletal findings from red flags requiring referral or additional evaluation.
• Improve clinical documentation for neurologic findings, decision-making, and referral rationale.

1. Clinical orientation: framing dropped head syndrome, cervical myelopathy, and ALS within chiropractic orthopedic practice.
2. Dropped head syndrome presentation: posture, neck extensor weakness, fatigue, chin-on-chest appearance, and functional limitations.
3. Neuromuscular and neurologic considerations: reviewing conditions that may contribute to head drop, weakness, or progressive cervical postural change.
4. Cervical myelopathy recognition: gait disturbance, hand dexterity changes, sensory changes, upper motor neuron signs, and spinal cord red flags.
5. ALS and motor neuron disease considerations: identifying clinical patterns that warrant heightened concern and referral.
6. Neuro-orthopedic examination strategy: reflexes, myotomes, sensory testing, coordination, gait, pathologic reflexes, and cervical motor control.
7. Imaging and referral reasoning: organizing when MRI, EMG, neurologic consultation, or medical referral may be appropriate.
8. Differential diagnosis and red flags: progressive weakness, falls, bilateral neurologic findings, bowel or bladder changes, dysphagia, dyspnea, and worsening neurologic signs.
9. Clinical documentation and care planning: recording findings, explaining clinical concern, documenting decision-making, and coordinating next steps.

After registration, log in to your CCEDseminars account. The course title in your account is the access link.

No special software installation is required. Use a modern browser on a desktop, tablet, or mobile device for online course access.

This course is listed for online chiropractic continuing education credit through CCEDseminars. Approval requirements vary by state, province, and licensing board.

Listed U.S. states and jurisdictions: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District Of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Listed Canadian provinces and territories: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Yukon.

How many CE hours are included in Orthopedics 222?

Orthopedics 222 provides 2 hours of online chiropractic continuing education credit.

Who teaches Orthopedics 222?

Orthopedics 222 is taught by Michael Hall, DC, FIACN.

What clinical topics are covered in this course?

The course reviews dropped head syndrome, cervical myelopathy, ALS, motor neuron disease considerations, neuro-orthopedic examination, red flags, referral considerations, and clinical decision-making for chiropractors.

Why is dropped head syndrome important in chiropractic orthopedics?

Dropped head syndrome may involve cervical extensor weakness, neurologic disease, neuromuscular conditions, cervical spine pathology, or spinal cord involvement. This course helps chiropractors organize clinical reasoning around red flags, differential diagnosis, and appropriate referral.

How do I access the online course after registration?

After registration, log in to your CCEDseminars account. The course title in your account is the access link. No special software installation is required; use a modern browser on a desktop, tablet, or mobile device.

Is this course approved for my state or licensing board?

Approval requirements vary by state, province, and licensing board. Review the approvals listed on the course page and contact CCEDseminars with questions about your specific licensing requirements.