A Practical Review of Vestibular Hypofunction Assessment and Treatment

COURSE LOCATION:
Upper Arlington Neuro Rehab
3363 Tremont Rd, Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43221

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2001 to 2004 estimates that as many as 35% of adults in the United States incur vestibular dysfunction requiring medical attention and the incidence increases with age. Dizziness and vertigo account for about 4 million emergency department visits annually in the United States, acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) accounts for 10-20% of these ED visits, another 4-6% of these patients are diagnosed with a cerebrovascular cause.  Based on a meta-analysis of published studies, Kroenke et al estimated that 9% of the approximately 7 million clinic visits (or 630,000 clinic visits) each year for dizziness are due to vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis. However, this ?gure does not include other etiologies and therefore, underestimates the number of people with peripheral vestibular hypofunction. CGP reference

Therapists who are trained in evidence-based assessment techniques can assist not only to decrease unnecessary imaging and/or hospital admissions for patients with peripheral AVS disorders, but also help aide in the diagnostic process of identifying patients with acute posterior fossa CVA that may not be evident with early MRI.  Therapists who are trained in appropriate treatment of vestibular dysfunction can significantly impact patient outcomes. A revised Cochrane Database Systematic Review from 2015 determined moderate to strong evidence in support of vestibular rehabilitation in the management of patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction, speci?cally for reducing symptoms and improving function. CPG reference

This hands-on course will provide participants with the knowledge and skill set necessary to complete a basic examination of the vestibular system, identify a peripheral vs. a central cause of vertigo, and apply evidence-based treatment strategies aimed at reducing their patient’s symptoms and improving their overall function.  Lab instruction will compliment course content to help provide therapists with relevant clinical tools.

OBJECTIVES:
Identify key signs and symptoms in a subjective history to help guide assessment and differential diagnosis.
Demonstrate proper techniques of oculomotor assessment and identify central vs. peripheral findings.
Explain the appropriate treatment progression for a patient with a vestibular hypofunction including current clinical practice guidelines.
Explain appropriate and professionally recommended outcome measures related to vestibular hypofunction

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Kristen Chalker, PT, DPT has worked for OhioHealth (now NovaCare in Partnership with OhioHealth) at the Grove City Health Center outpatient rehab clinic since 2005. She earned Emory Vestibular Certification through APTA in 2009 and treats a mixed caseload of orthopedic, balance, and vestibular rehab clients. She graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH with her Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1997, and from Duke University with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 2000 followed by a transition Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2001. Recent vestibular training includes attendance at “Vestibular Rehabilitation Advanced: Intensive Labs” by Dr. Richard Clendaniel in 2018. Kristen is an APTA certified clinical instructor and serves as a mentor to other clinicians in the area of vestibular rehab.
Devon Gaydosh, PT, DPT has worked for OhioHealth at the Upper Arlington Outpatient Neurologic Rehabilitation Center as a member of the Brain & Stroke Rehabilitation and Vestibular/Balance team since May 2014. Prior to her time at OhioHealth, she worked for 4 years on the neurological and vestibular team for Kettering NeuroRehab and Balance Center in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH with her Bachelor of Science in Health and Sports Studies in 2007 and from the University of Dayton with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2010. Recent vestibular training includes attendance at the 360 NeuroHealth Virtual Vestibular Summit in 2020, the University of Pittsburgh "Vestibular Rehabilitation:  An Advanced Course and Update" in May 2019 and “Vestibular Rehabilitation Advanced: Intensive Labs” by Dr. Richard Clendaniel in 2018. Devon pursued her passion for education by earning her Emory Vestibular Certification through the APTA and her Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) certification. Devon belongs to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), is a Neurology section member, and is an APTA certified clinical instructor. She has been a primary clinical mentor for Vestibular Module of the OhioHealth/Ohio University Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program since 2017.

SCHEDULE/AGENDA:

8:00-12:00 pm
Vestibular Anatomy and Pathophysiology Brief Review (8:00 am – 8:45 am)
Oculomotor assessment (8:45 am- 10:45 am)
Peripheral vs. central etiology
Differential diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunctions
Video examples and case studies (differentiating central vs. peripheral)

Hands-on lab

Introduction to treatment Strategies for vestibular hypofunction (10:45 am – 11:45 am)
Adaptation Exercises
Substitution Exercises
Habituation Exercises

Hands-on Lab

Treatment considerations (11:45 am – 12:00 pm)
Typical frequency
Duration
Billing
Use of assistants

1. Identify key signs and symptoms in a subjective history to help guide assessment and differential diagnosis.
2. Demonstrate proper techniques of oculomotor assessment and identify central vs. peripheral findings.
3. Explain the appropriate treatment progression for a patient with a vestibular hypofunction including current clinical practice guidelines.
4. Explain appropriate and professionally recommended outcome measures related to vestibular hypofunction
5. Identify key signs and symptoms in a subjective history to help guide assessment and differential diagnosis.
6. Demonstrate proper techniques of oculomotor assessment and identify central vs. peripheral findings.
7. Explain the appropriate treatment progression for a patient with a vestibular hypofunction including current clinical practice guidelines.
8. Explain appropriate and professionally recommended outcome measures related to vestibular hypofunction

$80 for general registrants. 

$40 for employees of OhioHealth Rehab Services, OhioHealth Rehab Hospital, or Central Ohio NovaCare only.  

Masks and protective eyewear will be provided and required.  All meals will be on your own due to COVID restrictions.  

Cancellation and Refund Policy: OhioHealth reserves the right to cancel or delay this course due to any unforeseen circumstances.  In the event this meeting would have to be canceled, OhioHealth will refund your registration fee.  We are not responsible for any travel, hotel, or other costs incurred.  If a participant cancels, refund of conference fee minus a 25% administrative charge will be made if written notice of cancellation is received no later than 6/11/2022.  If self-cancellation occurs as a result of COVID outbreak and written proof is provided (eg of work/local government travel restrictions, or doctor's note noting high risk), administrative charge may be waived.  No refunds will be granted after 6/11/2022 unless in the case of documented illness.