Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation for the Dizzy and Unbalanced Patient

North American Seminars Course Outline

Dizziness is one of the most common complaints reported to physicians. Symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance are disabling and may result from stroke , head injury, infection, or medical debilitation. Patients are frequently referred to both orthopedic and neurologic clinics. This two-day course will provide detailed examination and intervention strategies to assist the practitioner in skilled assessment and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders. The course begins with discussion of the anatomy and physiology of movement perception and equilibrium. The clinician will gain a thorough understanding of various categories of dysfunction including cerviogenic, vestibular, and central nervous system disorders. Diagnostic tests and their interpretation are discussed and related to differential diagnosis techniques. The most current treatments are presented for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and the attendee will have the opportunity to gain skill appropriately selecting and performing repositioning maneuvers. Cerviocogenic dizziness, cervical pathology, and the role of the cervical spine in spatial orientation and balance are described. Clinicians will obtain a thorough understanding of the foundation and relevance of vestibular rehabilitation therapy. A comprehensive multidimensional balance assessment and retraining program aimed at fall prevention is outlined in detail. Research based evidence and literature supporting treatment is reviewed. Hands-on laboratory sessions are combined with lecture to assist the learner in the practice and application of skills. Several case studies are provided as examples so the learner may synthesize and integrate course material into clinical decision making. Therapists will be able to immediately apply the skills learned in this course to clinical practice.

This course is designed for physical therapy continuing education and occupational therapy continuing education

North American Seminars Course Objectives

• Describe the various etiologies of dizziness and balance disorders.
• Understand the anatomical and physiologic basis of movement perception and balance.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms that distinguish common diagnostic categories of vestibular, cervical, and central dysfunction.
• Define and describe the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic dizziness.
• Effectively assess and treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo using current treatment strategies.
• Describe diagnostic tests for dizziness and imbalance and their clinical relevance.
• Describe the multidimensional approach to an understanding of balance and fall prevention.
• Perform sensory and motor tests relating to postural control and fall assessment.
• Apply specific evaluative tests including oculomotor, visual-vestibular, motion sensitivity, and CTSIB.
• Develop an appropriate treatment plan to address vestibular impairments.
• Apply assessment and treatment strategies for cervicogenic dizziness.
• Distinguish patient impairment, set specific treatment goals, and be knowledgeable of reimbursement issues for the dizzy or unbalanced patient.

North American Seminars Course Brochure and Timeline

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Course Healthclick - North American Seminars presents Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation for the Dizzy and Unbalanced Patient

North American Seminars 2009 Scheduled Dates and Locations

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Start Date	End Date	Location - Click to Map It	Tuition	Hrs	Hotel
Mar 27, 10	Mar 28, 10	Summerlin Hospital, Las Vegas, NV	$425.00	15.00	View Hotels
Apr 17, 10	Apr 18, 10	Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland, OR	$425.00	15.00	View Hotels
Jun 05, 10	Jun 06, 10	Rose Medical Center, Denver, CO	$425.00	15.00	View Hotels
Jun 12, 10	Jun 13, 10	St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD	$425.00	15.00	View Hotels
Aug 28, 10	Aug 29, 10	Start Newport Beach Physical Therapy, Newport Beach, CA	$425.00	15.00	View Hotels
Oct 23, 10	Oct 24, 10	St. Anthony's Medical Center, St Louis, MO	$425.00	15.00	View Hotels



Wendy Wood, DPT, GCS, is a physical therapist at a leading hospital based outpatient Balance and Vestibular Center in central California. Dr. Wood is a Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Rehabilitation and also holds a competency based certification in vestibular rehabilitation. Additionally, she has been certified as a Balance and Mobility Specialist Instructor through the FallProofTM Program of California State University, Fullerton’s Center for Successful Aging. Dr. Wood has treated patients with dizziness and balance disorders in various settings including acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedic, long-term care, and assisted living facilities. She has treated patients of all ages including adolescents, professional athletes and geriatrics. She has assisted in developing vestibular rehabilitation programs at local clinics and has acted as a consultant for other health care professionals on balance and vestibular disorders. Dr. Wood has taught nationally on vestibular rehabilitation, dizziness, and fall prevention. She is an Adjunct Instructor at Fresno City College’s Health and Science Division. Dr. Wood earned her Masters of Physical Therapy at California State University, Fresno and a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Temple University in Pennsylvania. She is member of the American Physical Therapy Association including the Vestibular Special Interest Group, and she is a professional member of VEDA, the Vestibular Disorders Association. Her interests include the integration of neurological science into neurorehabiliation and evidence-based research concerning new technologies to treat dizziness, spatial disorientation and balance.