Vestibular Rehab

Nearly 40% of U.S. adults experience vertigo at least once in their lifetime. Physical and occupational therapistshave a key role in the evaluation and rehabilitation for these patients who commonly have balance disorders, impaired mobility or difficulty with activities of daily living. A therapist requires an in-depth understanding of physiology and pathophysiology of the vestibular system to help with the differential diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of individuals with vertigo, dizziness, motion sensitivity, or imbalance. Therapists are often the front-line defense for patients with acute dizziness or vertigo, and must perform appropriate screening, examination, and possible referrals for concerning presentations. Therapists must also understand how to appropriately prescribe interventions that are supported by evidence.

This 6-hour course will enhance your ability to evaluate the cause of dizziness and take appropriate next steps.Participants of this course will confidently organize and execute a full vestibular assessment, including pinpointing the cause of dizziness as peripheral or central in origin. No matter the clinical practice setting, participants will learn how to apply this fundamental knowledge and how to effectivelycommunicate with patients and other members of thehealthcare team. This course will also give participants thetools to treat common vestibular disorders such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis or Meniere’s disease. This course is applicable both to clinicians without vestibular experience and those with vestibular experience who want to further their clinical skills or expand scope of practice.

Highlights

• Accurately identify common causes of dizziness
• Confidently execute an exam to differentiate between peripheral and central dysfunction
• Utilize various outcome measures for patients with dizziness or balance disorders
• Interventions and advance a plan of care following clinical practice guidelines
• Hands-on practice labs
• Cause-and-effect relationship of positional changes and BPPV
• Strategies to improve your team’s multi-disciplinary response to dizzy patients

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