Comprehensive Neurodiagnostic Assessment and Management of Balance System

The Assessment & Management of Vestibular System course offers participants a comprehensive understanding of vestibular assessment and management, specifically focusing on BPPV. Participants will gain insight into evidence-based treatment strategies that enhance the productivity and efficiency of managing patients with vestibular disorders.

Hybrid Learning Approach

This course is structured using a hybrid learning method to cater to practicing Audiologists and students, allowing them to learn at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. This approach reduces financial burdens without compromising the quality of education.

Part I – Online Session

The online session provides a theoretical foundation for the course.

• • Participants can engage in self-paced learning with no weekly deadlines, facilitating comprehensive understanding.
  • The first module, covering Anatomy & Physiology, will be accessible before the hands-on session, while the remaining assessment modules will be available after the hands-on session, allowing for a better correlation of practical experience with theoretical diagnostic information.

Part II – On-Site Hands-On Session

The on-site session offers live hands-on experience.

• Participants will engage in a total of 7 days of immersive hands-on practice, including group collaboration and the opportunity to observe patients. This practical experience will reinforce the knowledge gained from the online theoretical aspect.

Gain a deep understanding of vestibular assessment and management through our hybrid course, designed to provide flexibility and practical skills for Audiologists.

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

• Videonystagmography (VNG)
• Caloric Testing
• Video-Head Impulse Test (vHIT)
• Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP)
• Electrocochleography (ECochG)
• Rotational Chair Testing
• Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA)
• Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV)

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

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy for Audiologists.

Developing a practical VRT based on diagnosis.

• Adaptation
• Habituation
• Substitution

Patient Resources & Referral.

PART 2: 7 days onsite hands-on training

Download course syllabus for complete hands-on training schedule

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Achieve an in-depth mastery of the anatomy and physiology of the human balance system, with a focus on the integration of the peripheral and central vestibular systems, alongside the oculomotor system.
• Master evidence-based protocols and strategies for the comprehensive evaluation of patients with balance disorders, including detailed case histories and both subjective and objective evaluation techniques.
• Gain expertise in the clinical evaluation of balance disorders from a vestibular audiologist’s perspective, with advanced skills in performing and interpreting diagnostic tests including Videonystagmography (VNG), Caloric Testing, Video-Head Impulse Test (vHIT), Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP), Electrocochleography (ECochG), Rotary Chair Test, and Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA).
• Implement highly effective and sensitive clinical evaluation protocols to accurately identify treatment candidates and facilitate effective assessment and management strategies.
• Differentiate and diagnose common disorders impacting vestibular and balance function, developing proficiency in the interpretation of complex vestibular test results with a focus on thorough documentation and report generation.
• Enhance skills through hands-on training sessions and case study discussions to solidify theoretical knowledge and hone practical application techniques.
• Gain specialized training in Canalith Repositioning Treatments for all forms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
• Employ diagnosis-driven strategies to design and execute comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation programs tailored to individual patient needs.
• Explore foundational concepts in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) and elucidate mechanisms of central vestibular compensation.

ELIGIBILITY / WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

• Students – M. Sc. Audiology or M. Sc. ASLP.
• Practicing Audiologists with a minimum of Master’s degree in Audiology looking to specialize in vestibular sciences.
• Private practice audiology owners looking to introduce vestibular services in their clinics or hospitals.