An Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation
Course Description
This course focuses on providing an excellent framework for the clinician to effectively treat vestibular disorders. Like all of our courses, this vestibular course focuses on teaching clinicians to actually treat disorders in this rapidly expanding area. One of the strengths of this course is that it applies to clinicians without any vestibular experience, providing ample tools to treat vestibular disorders, while still maintaining the interest and expanding the capabilities of clinicians more experienced in the field of Vestibular Rehabilitation. BPPV is covered at great length in this course.
Please visit our Resource Center to check for course approval in your state.
Vestibular Schedule
Course Objectives
At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:
- Describe six key components of the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system
- Discriminate between ten common pathophysiologic conditions of the vestibular system
- Complete a thorough interview of a patient and hypothesize three potential diagnoses using five key questions outlined in the manual
- Hypothesize the differential diagnosis of a mock patient who presents with vertigo versus dizziness
- Complete a thorough examination of a patient, and compare three subjective complaints to the objective findings
- Identify eight standardized assessment tools for use with patients with a vestibular disorder
- Perform three specific tests of vestibular function (VNG, Rotary Chair, and Sensory Organization Testing)
- Correctly demonstrate the bedside oculomotor exam and interpret the results
- Distinguish between canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis and accurately locate the involved canal
- Justify the use of a specific treatment theory (habituation, adaptation, and/or substitution), and design a treatment plan specific to that patient, given a patient's diagnosis and findings through an objective exam
- Describe two potential psychological manifestations that may occur with prolonged episodes of dizziness
Course Instructors
Laurie Swan
PhD, DPT, PT, CEEAA
Laurie Swan, PhD, DPT, PT, CEEAA, is a physical therapist with expertise in neurologic therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and fall prevention in the elderly. Laurie graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1991. She practiced neurologic physical therapy in a variety of settings for five years, and then taught neurologic and geriatric physical therapy courses for ten years in Michigan and California. She completed a PhD in Applied Experimental Psychology from Central Michigan University in 2004, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in 2006. More recently, Laurie has gained expertise in marketing and management in the corporate sector by establishing and managing a fall prevention program for the elderly in Pierce County, Washington. In addition, she has worked closely with the Department of Health, State of Washington to disseminate a fall prevention program in the public health sector. Laurie has several publications in peer-reviewed journals. She has presented at national and international conferences, and teaches continuing education courses in fall prevention, balance, and vestibular rehabilitation. Laurie is recognized as a "Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults" through the Geriatrics Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. She received the Award for Clinical Excellence from the Physical Therapy Association of Washington (PTWA) in 2014.

Course Outline
Saturday
Continental Breakfast
Lecture: Anatomy and Physiology of the Vestibular System
Lecture: Diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Lab: Diagnostic Maneuvers for BPPV
Lunch (on your own)
Lab: Treatment of BPPV
Lecture: Pathophysiology of Common Vestibular Disorders
Lecture: Taking a History
Lab: Oculomotor Exam
Questions and Review
Adjourn
Sunday
Continental Breakfast
Lab: Review of Day 1
Lecture: Quantified Tests of Vestibular Function
Lab: Standardized Assessment Tools
Lecture: Treatment Theory
Lab: Psychological Manifestations of Dizziness
Lab: Speed Drills: Oculomotor Exam and BPPV
Lunch (on your own)
Lecture: Treatment Intervention
Lab: Case Preparation and Presentations
Lab: Questions, Review and Post-Test
Adjourn