Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: An Evidence Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders

This course is an evidence-based comprehensive overview of diagnosing and managing peripheral and central vestibular disorders for the beginner to intermediate clinician. It will be delivered in a hybrid format with a small amount of virtual lecture prior to the in-person instruction and lab.

Schedule for in-person training is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Pre-session Zoom: March 18 at 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET

REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 25

Discounts (not stackable):

20% Alumni Discount

20% Messiah Clinical Instructors Discount

Contact bridgecenter@messiah.edu about group discounts if more than 4 registrants are from the same company.

REGISTER HERE

Course Description: 15 Contact hours awarded

This is an evidence-based course designed for clinicians who treat patients with vestibular or balance disorders in any setting.  As approximately 42% of the population over 16 years old report that they have experienced dizziness, there is a large population of patients with dizziness or imbalance and they present to a variety of settings. It is important that clinicians are able to perform a comprehensive vestibular assessment and design an appropriate treatment plan in order to maximize patient outcomes.

1 in 3 older adults (65 and older) fall each year and falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in this population. Incorporating a vestibular framework into assessment and treatment of balance disorders can provide a multitude of treatment options and help minimize fall risk.

This course will cover anatomy of the vestibular and balance systems, pathology, assessment of vestibular disorders, and treatment of dizziness and imbalance. Videos and case studies will be used to enhance understanding of ocular movements and will be integrated into patient scenarios. Labs will emphasize assessments, objective measures, and treatment including canalith repositioning maneuvers, adaptation, habituation, and substitution strategies. This course will be delivered in a hybrid format with the foundational elements of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology presented virtually prior to the in-person instruction.

Course Presenter:

Dr. Sara MacDowell has many years of specialized clinical experience with patients who have vestibular and/or facial nerve disorders. She practices in a comprehensive neurotology clinic alongside audiologists and neurotologists.  Her primary practice is an outpatient based vestibular therapy treatment center, but also consults at the acute care hospital for post-operative vestibular patients as well as dizzy patients admitted through the ER. See full bio.

Course Objectives:

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular and balance systems
• Understand the pathophysiology of common vestibular disorders
• Describe the role of the vestibular system in postural control
• Perform and interpret key components of assessment including oculomotor, gaze stability, balance, and BPPV evaluation
• Identify treatment principles of vestibular rehab including adaptation, habituation, and substitution
• Demonstrate correct use and interpretation of frequently used objective measures
• Choose appropriate interventions based on results of the assessment including situations in which a physician referral is indicated
• Demonstrate correct technique for common treatments including those for BPPV as well as exercises for adaptation, habituation, and substitution

COURSE AGENDA

Virtual Content (Live Webinar)- 2 hours – Date TBD

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Vestibular System
• Pathophysiology and differential diagnoses of the Vestibular System (Introduction)

Saturday March 29th, 2025