Assessment of Vestibular System

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Assessment & Management of Vestibular System is a course that provides participants with an in-depth understanding of vestibular assessment and management of BPPV. This course is designed to provide participants with evidence-based treatment strategies to manage patients with vestibular disorders more efficiently and productively.

HYBRID MODE

This course is designed in HYBRID method with a combination of online and on-site sessions to accommodate all practicing Audiologists and students to learn at home self paced and to reduce the burden of higher expenses without compromising the quality of education.

Part I – Online session

• This session covers the theoretical aspect of the course.

• Self-paced online and no weekly deadlines to truly learn at your own pace.

• First Module on Anatomy & physiology will be available before hands-on and remaining modules on assessment will be made available after hands-on for better correlation of learned hands-on to theoretical diagnostic information.

Part II – onsite hands-on session

• This on-site session is live hands-on.

• Total of 3 days with true hands-on experience with  group practice and the possibility of observing patients. *

This course has two parts.

Part – 1: Online Sessions

MODULE 1: Basic Science/Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Balance System

Anatomy and physiology of Vestibular System.

• Peripheral Vestibular System

• Central Vestibular System

Anatomy and physiology of oculomotor system. Reflex systems and its coordination with balance.

• Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR)

• Vestibulo-Collic Reflex (VCR)

• Vestibulo-Spinal Reflex (VSR)

MODULE 2: Clinical Evaluation of Vestibular Function & Assessment Protocols

Case History & relevant questionnaires.

Bedside / Subjective Evaluation.

Diagnostic clinical evaluation:

Overview and Principle,

Clinical Considerations,

Test Protocols,

Analyses,

Interpretations &

Clinical Application

• Subjective Assessment

• Videonystagmography (VNG)

• Caloric Testing 

MODULE 3: Common Vestibular & Balance Disorders: Differential Diagnosis

• BPPV Vestibular Neuritis

• Labyrinthitis

• Vestibular Migraine/ Migraine Associated Vertigo

• Meniere’s Disease / Endolymphatic Hydrops

• Perilymphatic Fistulas

• Superior Semi-circular Canal Dehiscence

• Acoustic Neuroma/ Vestibular Schwannoma

• Vestibular Paroxysmia

• Age-Related Vestibular Disorders

• PPPD

• Others

MODULE 4:  Vestibular Rehabilitation, BPPV management & Patient Resources

Canalith Repositioning Procedure/ Treatment.

• Posterior Canal

• Horizontal Canal

• Anterior Canal

Patient Resources & Referral.

PART 2: 3 days onsite hands-on training

Download course syllabus for complete hands-on training schedule

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Obtain a thorough understanding of the essential anatomy and physiology of the human balance system, focusing on both the peripheral and central vestibular systems and their interaction with the oculomotor system.
• Master evidence-based strategies and protocols for evaluating patients with balance disorders, including the collection of detailed case histories and the implementation of subjective and objective evaluation techniques.
• Gain insight into the clinical balance evaluation process from the perspective of a vestibular audiologist and develop proficiency in performing subjective assessments and interpreting diagnostic tests like Videonystagmography (VNG) and Caloric Testing.
• Implement the most effective and sensitive clinical evaluation protocols to accurately identify candidates for treatment, ensuring precise assessment and management.
• Recognize and distinguish among common disorders affecting vestibular and balance function.
• Enhance skills in differential diagnosis and interpretation of vestibular test results, with an emphasis on comprehensive documentation and effective report writing.
• Strengthen theoretical knowledge and practical abilities through hands-on training sessions and case presentation discussions.

• Students – M. Sc. Audiology or M. Sc. ASLP.

• Practicing Audiologists with a minimum of bachelor’s degree in Audiology looking to specialize in vestibular sciences.

• Private practice audiology owners looking to introduce vestibular services in their clinics or hospitals.