Autonomic Nervous System & Intracranial Vascular Disorders - July 2026

July 24-26, 2026

Explore the autonomic nervous system and the structural supports of the brain. Learn to assess and manage dysautonomia, CSF flow, vascular compromise, and protective cranial anatomy.

Functional Neurology

David Traster

Level:

Specialist

Credit Hours:

Price:

1188

(

% off)

1188

Description

This module focuses on two critical areas of clinical neuroscience: the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the supportive structures of the brain. The first half of the course explores the ANS, its central and peripheral components, and its vital role in regulating unconscious bodily functions such as organ activity, nutrient delivery, and vascular tone. Scholars will examine how disruptions in autonomic function contribute to various forms of dysautonomia and how to assess and manage these dysfunctions clinically.

The second half of the module highlights the brain’s protective environment, including the skull, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), vascular system, and glial support. Clinicians will explore the structural integrity and pathophysiology of these protective systems and learn diagnostic strategies and treatment options for disorders affecting brain support and homeostasis.

View syllabus

What you’ll learn:

Explain the central and peripheral anatomy of the autonomic nervous system.
Identify clinical presentations and causes of dysautonomia.
Evaluate the protective and supportive structures of the brain, including meninges and CSF.
Apply diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies for ANS and brain support disorders.
Understand the role of glial cells, skull anatomy, and vascular networks in brain health

Syllabus

Components

Foundations of Autonomic Regulation
- Clinical anatomy of the autonomic nervous system
- Hypothalamic control of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
- Sympathetic “fight or flight” responses
- Parasympathetic “rest and digest” mechanisms
- Integration of autonomic control in sexual and visceral function
- Peripheral pathways and ganglionic organization
- Sympathetic chain and cranial parasympathetic outflow
- Autonomic neurotransmission (Ach, norepinephrine)
- Central influences on autonomic integration: limbic, hypothalamic, brainstem, cerebellar
- Evaluation of autonomic function and integrity
- Dysautonomia and sympathetic escape
- Mechanisms and management of Raynaud’s phenomenon and CRPS
- Sympathetic aggravation of immune responses
- Clinical implications in asthma and chronic inflammation
- Horner’s syndrome: diagnosis and regional neuroanatomy
- Limbic and cortical modulation of autonomic tone

Diagnostic evaluation procedures
- Pupillary response
- Corneal reflex
- Heart rate variability
- SpO₂ and capillary refilll
Intracranial and Vascular Systems
- Overview of meningeal layers and intracranial environment
- Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and blood-brain barrier
- Dural sinuses and venous drainage system

Arterial supply of the brain
- Internal carotid system and circle of Willis
- Vertebrobasilar system
- Major arterial branches: ACA, MCA, PCA, AICA, PICA, SCA

Intracranial vascular pathophysiology
- Stroke and transient ischemic attacks
- Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations
- Meningitis, encephalitis, and CSF leakage
- Increased intracranial pressure and venous sinus thrombosis
- White matter, brainstem, and vascular lesion localization
- Medullary, pontine, and mesencephalic vascular syndromes
- Diagnostic imaging interpretation for vascular compromise

Clinical Integration & Rehabilitation
- Diagnostic approach to ANS and vascular dysfunction
- History-taking for autonomic and vascular symptoms
- Differentiating central vs. peripheral presentations
- Central integration of autonomic and vascular systems
- Segmental and suprasegmental modulation
- Decompression, vascular control, and metabolic enhancement

Neurorehabilitation strategies for dysautonomia and vascular recovery
- Cross crawl and gait retraining
- Vestibular reflex training
- Cardiovascular and respiratory retraining
- Range of motion and muscle tone rehabilitation
- Brain-based therapy and neuroplasticity enhancement

Case studies:
- stroke recovery,
- dysautonomia rebalancing
- chronic pain modulation

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Live Event Info

schedule & location

Date(s):

July 24-26, 2026

Schedule:

Friday: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Event Location:

Carrick Institute Learning Center

(See Details Below)

Time Zone:

Eastern (New York)

Dress Code:

Casual Attire (No Ripped Clothing or Open-Toed Shoes)

Venue

Carrick Institute Learning Center

8910 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
USA

Venue-Specific Details:

Access Info:

Parking Info:

Phone:

+1-321-868-6464

Airport:

MCO

–

Orlando International Airport

Suggested hotels

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach

9000 Astronaut Blvd
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
USA

Phone:

+1 321-868-1841

Make a reservation →

Reservation Note:

This hotel is directly adjacent to the Carrick Institute Learning Center. It is about a 1-2 minute walk and has great views of rocket launches from the north side.

Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port

9004 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
USA

Phone:

321-784-0025

Make a reservation →

Reservation Note:

This hotel is just adjacent the Carrick Institute and is connected to the Homewood Suites. It will take approximately 2 minutes to walk to the Carrick Institute Learning Center. It has a pool, outdoor basketball court, and a gym.

Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

2080 North Atlantic Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
USA

Phone:

+1-321-783-9222

Make a reservation →

Reservation Note:

This hotel is not walking distance from the Carrick Institute, but is right on the beach, just south of the Cocoa Beach Pier. You will need a car to get from the hotel to the Carrick Institute Learning Center. It is about a 5-10 minute drive depending on traffic and local events.

Also includes

—

Months Medline Access

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Months of Access to Complete the course (from the date of purchase)

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Ability to resubscribe to keep access after

months

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Eligibility for Neurology Fellowship and Diplomate Examinations after the completion of 300+ hours of study

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Certificate of Completion