Overview Of Dizziness and Vestibular Rehabilitation

Overview

“Dizziness” is the #1 cause of physician visits in people over 65 years. Vestibular dysfunction increases the risk of falls and the symptoms experienced may be debilitating. Many patients have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis and they often do not receive a treatment plan to address their goals.

Dizziness, or vertigo are symptoms that can occur in any age group and in any area of practice. There are many underlying factors which can contribute to these symptoms, one of which involves the vestibular system. Unfortunately, there are few surgical or pharmaceutical options exist to improve vestibular dysfunction and the evidence for vestibular rehabilitation continues to grow.

Currently, best practice guidelines are still being developed for treating vestibular dysfunction. However, physiotherapists play an increasingly important role in the identification and treatment of vestibular disorders.

This session will explore the assessment and treatment of the various types of vestibular conditions, including Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), peripheral vestibular dysfunction, central vestibular dysfunction, and cervicogenic dizziness. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the basic classification of vestibular disorders;
2. Recognize the signs and symptoms of peripheral and central vestibular disorders;
3. Understand the principles underlying vestibular rehabilitation;
4. Determine if your patient would be able to benefit from a customized vestibular rehabilitation program.

Audience

This presentation is targeted to physiotherapists (physical therapists) who see patients with dizziness, or vertigo in their practice. A basic understanding of key concepts and terminology related to vestibular dysfunction is an asset, but not necessary for this session.

Presenter: Nicole Acerra, PT, PhD

Nicole Acerra obtained her psychology and physiotherapy degrees at Queen’s University and completed her doctoral studies at The University of Queensland and post-doctoral studies at UBC. Nicole has 15 years of clinical experience in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation in acute and private practice settings in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia. Nicole provides vestibular post-graduate courses and teaches at UBC as an Assistant Clinical Professor. She is an active member of the CPA and the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA). Nicole is the Neurosciences & Spine Clinical Resource Therapist for Vancouver Coastal Health and provides private physiotherapy services.