According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, as many as 35% of adults aged 40 years or older in the US have experienced vestibular dysfunction. This amounts to approximately 69 million Americans who have experienced some level of incapacity due to one of many types of vestibular disorders. The consequences of dizziness can be catastrophic - 30% of community dwelling adults over the age of 65 will experience a fall. This number goes up to 45% of people over the age of 75.
This two day lecture and lab course will cover the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system, proper vestibular evaluation procedures, and how to utilize those findings to determine whether a patient is appropriate for vestibular rehabilitation. In addition, we will cover treatment strategies for the more common vestibular disorders, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, unilateral and bilateral hypofunction, and cervicogenic dizziness, among others.
All required prereading material will be sent in a link via your registration confirmation email.
Course Objectives
•Explain the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system
•Perform and understand the clinical significance of a thorough patient history and assessment
•Identify the signs, symptoms, and co-existing problems of a patient, and distinguish disorders not appropriate for physical therapy treatment
•Formulate and give rationale for appropriate plan of care
•Perform appropriate therapeutic procedures and become comfortable treating non-complex vestibular patients.
•Create an appropriate HEP and provide accurate education to the patient.
General Schedule
Day One
7:30-8 Registration
8-9Introduction
9-10 Anatomy and Physiology
10-10:15 Break
10:15-11Balance
11-12 Nystagmus
Lecture and Lab
Identification and interpretation of abnormal eye movement
12-1 Lunch (on your own)
1-2 Vestibular Evaluation – History
Subjective Hx
Common Medical Vestibular Tests
Functional Questionnaires
2-3 Objective Exam
Static and Dynamic Balance Assessment
Lecture and Lab
3-3:15 Break
3:15-5:30Objective Exam (cont)
Cervical and Musculoskeletal Eval
Lecture and Lab
Oculomotor Exam with and without infrared goggles
Lecture and Lab
Day Two
8-10 BPPV Lecture and Lab – assessment and treatment of:
Ant and Post Canal Canalithiasis and Cupulolithiasis
