An Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation

Course Description

The complexity of vestibular rehabilitation can be overwhelming and frustrating. This course first builds a foundation for understanding the vestibular system, followed by clearly delineated evidence-based practices for this patient population.

This course focuses on providing an excellent framework for the clinician to effectively treat vestibular disorders. One of the strengths of this course is that it applies to clinicians without any vestibular experience, while still maintaining the interest and expanding the capabilities of more experienced vestibular clinicians. BPPV is covered at great length in this course.

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What people are saying!

Great course and highly recommend to other therapist who have not had any experience with vestibular or need a refresher. As an outpatient therapist who has had very minimal experience with BPPV and other specific hypofunctions, I did not feel overwhelmed and now am confident seeing these patients.

Minneapolis, MN

The instructor is a very clear communicator and also made the class really fun, which when you’re sitting there for two days is really important in terms of keeping us all engaged. She told relevant patient stories as we went through the coursework, which was very helpful in understanding the subject matter, but also helped me think about patients I will be applying my new skills to immediately. I can honestly say this was the best continuing ed course I have taken in a very long time.

Washington DC

I have such a good handle on the information that I can come in today and immediately start putting the material to use both for Vertigo patients and all of my Balance patients. The instructor was so knowledgeable and really gave great real-life examples to make the information make sense.

Newark, NJ

I used to struggle with neuro subjects in PT school, but this was a fun and easier way of learning things because of the visual props and practical application.

Norfolk, VA

Clear, concise explanation and teaching of material. Enough lab time to practice multiple times. Not too much material for a weekend class, just right. I feel like I can use info and techniques immediately upon returning to the clinic on Monday.

Novato, CA

Top Takeaways

Assessment and treatment for all the variants of BPPV, with repeated practice of the treatment maneuvers.
A framework that's integrated with history, performing tests and measuring specific to the vestibular system, and development of a treatment plan.

What makes this course great?

Therapists often have scattered pieces of knowledge about vestibular rehabilitation. This course helps participants put those puzzle pieces together in a way that enables them to quickly assess and provide treatment for a patient with vestibular dysfunction.

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

Course Instructors

Amy M. Yorke

PT, PHD

Amy has been a physical therapist since 1993. She graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a master's degree in physical therapy and from Western Michigan University with a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. She is Board Certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy. Amy has taught topics related to neurologic rehabilitation, including vestibular rehabilitation, for 20 years. She is currently on faculty at the University of Michigan-Flint and maintains an active practice through HEART, a pro bono clinic at UM-Flint.

Michelle Cornwell

PT

Michelle received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Exercise Science in 1991, followed by her Master's in Physical Therapy from NAU in 1994. After spending 4 years in the inpatient hospital rehab setting, she became interested in treatment of vestibular disorders and transitioned to a hospital-based outpatient setting. Michelle received certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation through a competency based course in 2003, and went on to receive an advanced certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2007 through Emory University. Since this time, Michelle has taught several courses for physical and occupational therapists, for both inpatient and outpatient settings, and has continued to further her education through advanced vestibular courses. She believes in a strong education component when treating patients, as well as an integrated approach to their condition in order to promote self-management and return to their prior activity level. Michelle is married with 2 children and lives in Mesa, Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, baking and spending time with friends and family.

Course Outline

Saturday

7:30am

Doors Open

8:00am

Lecture: Anatomy and Physiology of the Vestibular System

9:45am

Lecture: Diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

10:15am

Lab: Diagnostic Maneuvers for BPPV

12:00pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:00pm

Lab: Treatment of BPPV

2:30pm

Lecture: Pathophysiology of Common Vestibular Disorders

3:15pm

Lecture: Taking a History

3:45pm

Lab: Oculomotor Exam

4:45pm

Questions and Review

5:30pm

Adjourn

Sunday

7:30am

Breakfast

8:00am

Lab: Review of Day 1

11:30am

Lab: Speed Drills: Oculomotor Exam and BPPV

8:30am

Lecture: Quantified Tests of Vestibular Function

10:00am

Lab: Standardized Assessment Tools

11:00am

Lab: Psychological Manifestations of Dizziness

10:45am

Lecture: Treatment Theory

12:00pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:30pm

Lecture: Treatment Intervention

3:00pm

Lab: Case Preparation and Presentations

4:30pm

Lab: Questions, Review and Post-Test

5:00pm

Adjourn

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