Vestibular Rehab & Balance Training

According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, over 90 million Americans age 17 and older, have experienced a dizziness or balance problem at some point in their lives. Almost 8 million people in the US have a problem with balance that has lasted over 3 months and 2.5 million report a chronic dizziness problem. With the large amount of baby boomers entering "retirement age", there is increased concern about falling. Most people over the age of 70 reportsome problem with dizziness and balance. Balance related falls account for more than one-half of the accidental deaths in the elderly. In addition, individuals with a diagnosed vestibular problem who also exhibit symptoms have an incidence of falling that is 12 times that of the general population. Overall, the cost of medical care for patients with balance disorders exceeds $1 billion per year in the US. Getting effective treatment is frequently complicated by thechallenge of diagnosing the specific source of the problem and finding clinicians with the knowledge and experience to treat these problems.

This interactive workshop will cover the anatomy, physiology and function of the vestibular system and the vestibular system's important role in balance and mobility. It isdesigned to give therapists and clinicians essential information needed to assess and treat uncomplicated vestibular dysfunction as well as incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of balance-related disorders. Participants will learn the various types of vestibular disorders, how they affect different populations and baseline clinical tools for appropriateevaluation and treatment strategies. Case studies and hands-on labs will be used to bring real world relevance.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers

Highlights

• Confidently assess, identify, and treat a range of vestibular disorders
• In-depth demonstrations to effectively treat various causes of dizziness
• Exercise progressions that improve balance with modifications for any level of function
• Treatment techniques for balance testing, oculomotor exam, BPPV testing, and Epley maneuver
• Differential diagnosis techniques for vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, SCD, Meniere's, and BPPV