Vestibular Course

Courses for Physical Therapists & Health Professionals

Practical Management of the patient with dizziness: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

Instructor: Jeff Walter PT, DPT, NCS

Course Description

This evidence-based course will train clinicians in the practical management of vestibular disorders. The course will include instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical management, pathology, detailed bedside examination, and treatment skills. The material will be presented in a lecture, lab, and video case study format. Competence in the performance of a comprehensive office/bedside examination and treatment skills will be addressed in a lab format. An emphasis will be placed on the management of BPPV variants and vestibular hypofunction.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

  • Perform a detailed bedside vestibular & balance examination 
  • Based on patient history and bedside examination, identify the specific features of: 
    • Peripheral vestibular disorders
    • Central vestibular disorders
    • Non-vestibular dizziness
  • Recognize typical characteristics of peripheral vestibular vs. central-etiology nystagmus
  • Prescribe rehabilitation programs to address compensation for vestibular hypofunction
  • Identify specific variants of BPPV and perform appropriate canalith repositioning maneuvers 
  • Identify indications for further medical referral

About the Instructor

Jeff Walter

Jeff Walter PT, DPT, NCS 

Director of the Otolaryngology Vestibular and Balance Center at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.  Associate faculty member at Misericordia University, Department of Physical Therapy.  Graduate of the University of Wisconsin and has attained competency certification in “Vestibular Rehabilitation” and “Vestibular Function Test Interpretation”.    Since 1999, Jeff has lectured at numerous professional conferences, universities, and continuing education courses for audiologists, physicians, and therapists involved in managing vestibular disorders.  Jeff contributes to a teaching website “www.vestibular.today” designed to provide information to assist clinicians in the management of dizziness and imbalance.  Clinical research interests have included superior canal dehiscence and BPPV.  

Comments from Previous Particpants

“So approachable, knowledgeable, and patient……. I would recommend this course to everyone!”

“By far the best vestibular course I have ever attended.”

“Material was grounded in practicality, ideal course for a clinician”

Agenda

Day 1
7:30am Registration
8:00am Detailed Anatomy and Physiology of the Vestibular and Balance System (lecture)
10:30am Break
10:45am

Disorders and Management Options (lecture)

  1. Unilateral Disorders: vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, vestibular schwannoma, superior canal dehiscence, anterior vestibular artery ischemia, Meniere’s disease
  2. Bilateral Disorders
  3. Central Disorders: MS, Vertebral Basilar Insufficiency, CVA, Chari Malformation, Cerebellar Degenerative Disorders
12:00pm Lunch
1:00am Vestibular Disorders and Management Options (cont)
2:15pm Break
2:30pm Bedside / Office Evaluation (combined lecture / practicum with video case studies)
Oculomotility / stability screen, tuning fork examination, multi-directional head impulse testing, head shake, hyperventilation, vibration, static vs. dynamic visual acuity, CTSIB, gait assessment
5:30pm End Day
Day 2
7:30am Bedside / Office Evaluation (cont)
8:30am

Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitative Treatment Strategies (lecture and lab)

  1. Head motion induced oscillopsia
  2. Imbalance
9:15am Non-Otogenic Dizziness: Migraine, Anxiety, Cervicogenic Dizziness, PPPD
10:00am Break
10:15am Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (lecture)
Pathophysiology, Identification of Variant Forms, Differential Diagnosis, Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers, Management Guidelines
12:00pm Lunch
12:45pm

BPPV Practicum and video case studies with emphasis on differential diagnosis and assessment of treatment efficacy: (lab and video cases)

  1. Examination: Loaded Dix-Hallpike, Half Hallpike, Roll, Sidelying Tests.
  2. Maneuvers: Modified Epley, Liberatory (Semont), Gufoni, Kim
2:30pm

End Course

 

Registration Details

Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Target Audience: PTs, OTs, Physicians, Audiologists
CEUs: A certificate for 14 contact hours will be issued at the conclusion of the course only.
Price:

$650

Upcoming TMJ Courses

Date Location Host  Registration 
May 1-2, 2021 Fox Point, WI Freedom Physical Therapy Services, Fox Point Register Here

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