Cutting-edge vestibular rehabilitation

Two intensive courses in vestibular rehabilitation extend the knowledge and competence of physiotherapists treating people with vestibular disorders, explains Alexander Ring, one of the presenters.

What can participants expect from ‘Vestibular rehabilitation: A competency-based course’ and ‘Advances in vestibular rehabilitation: A competency-based renewal course’?

These courses are informed by the best available evidence, with a strong focus on clinical reasoning, and their presenters were heavily involved in their development.

The teaching, research and clinical experience of the presenters allows them to synthesise the evidence and present it in a way that allows for practical application in a clinical setting. Modes of presenting include interactive lectures, video case presentations and hands-on practical skills sessions.

The clinical techniques and skills are taught and practised within a framework of clinical reasoning.

 Participants will finish the courses ready to treat patients with dizziness related to vestibular disorders with greater confidence.

They will also increase their clinical reasoning skills, leading to a more structured and efficient history and examination process and the ability to synthesise the best available evidence for the assessment and treatment of dizzy patients.

'They will learn to take an effective, individualised treatment approach to patients with dizziness related to vestibular disorders.

We expect that participants will improve their clinical practice and as a result improve the outcomes of their patients.

Two certificates are given—one for attendance and one for passing all the examinations.

Who should attend these courses?

These are intensive, evidence-based competency courses designed for physiotherapists who have experience treating people with vestibular disorders.

The program consists of lectures, hands- on practicum sessions with additional independent study sessions and written, video-based and practical skills examinations.

All participants will be expected to demonstrate assessment skills including oculomotor examination, with an emphasis on the identification of nystagmus and the interpretation of canal involvement, and assessments of balance, gait and falls risk.

Participants will also demonstrate appropriate assessment and treatment procedures for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo affecting posterior, anterior and horizontal canals for both cupulolithiasis and canalithiasis, for unilateral and bilateral peripheral vestibular disorders, and for central vestibular disorders, including traumatic brain injury and stroke.

The emphasis will be on utilising assessment results to develop an effective treatment plan.

What has led to these courses’ international acclaim?

The first vestibular rehabilitation competency-based course was held 25 years ago in 1998.

At the time, it was the first and only competency-based course and it set the standard for similar courses in the future.

This program is unique in its emphasis on evidence-based practice and clinical competence through comprehensive evaluation of clinical skills, clinical reasoning and fundamental knowledge.

The presenters are nationally and internationally recognised clinicians and clinician–scientists in the field of vestibular rehabilitation.

‘Advances in vestibular rehabilitation: a competency-based renewal course’

22–24 September

Adelaide, South Australia.

Click here for more information.

‘Vestibular rehabilitation: a competency- based course’

25–30 September

Adelaide, South Australia

Click here for more information.