vestibularPT.com

Vestibular 101: Basic Clinical Competency

INSTRUCTOR

Colleen Sleik PT, DPT, NCS

This course will introduce differential diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of the most common forms of dizziness presenting in clinical practice. This course is designed for all clinicians (PT and OT), including those with no prior experience or education in vestibular rehabilitation. Material covered will include differential diagnosis to recognize signs and symptoms of peripheral and central dizziness, when to refer, and whether the patient is appropriate for vestibular rehab. Basic assessment techniques for BPPV of the posterior, horizontal and anterior canals, HINTS testing to differentiate central from peripheral pathology, and screening for neurologic findings. Treatment techniques for posterior, horizontal and anterior canal BPPV and treatment based on clinical practice guidelines for vestibular hypofunction will be presented. This information is applicable to a large population of patients with symptoms of dizziness. It will provide the clinician with basic instruction in recognizing patients that are appropriate for vestibular rehab and those that require referral to a specialist. It will also provide the clinician with guidance on treatment techniques to address BPPV and vestibular hypofunction. 

Educational Level: Introductory

Online, Self-Paced: Ongoing

Intended Audience: Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. 

Instructional Methods: Recorded powerpoint lecture, video demonstration

Approved by WI Chapter of the APTA for .25 CEU's (2.5 Contact Hours)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of BPPV and vestibular hypofunction

2. Name clinical tests for assessment of posterior, horizontal, and anterior canals for BPPV.

3. Apply the Epley maneuver and Semont maneuvers for posterior canal BPPV, Appiani and Gufoni maneuvers for horizontal canal BPPV and the Yacovino (Deep Head Hang) maneuver for anterior canal BPPV.

4. Apply HINTS testing to differentiate central from peripheral dizziness.

5. Identify the clinical findings indicative of peripheral vestibular hypofunction. 

6. Apply clinical practice guidelines in developing a plan of care for patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.