Vestibular Dysfunctions - BPPV For Special Populations

Overview

As physiotherapists, we need to deliver well-rounded care. There are numerous cases outside of neurological conditions where vestibular dysfunction are present, and it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms. 

Perhaps your patient came in with dizziness after tilting their head back at the dentist, or stretching their neck in an unfamiliar position during a workout. These common mechanisms are important to understand to be able to connect to vestibular dysfunctions in physiotherapy practice. 

BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder and most common cause of vertigo. It typically occurs from mechanisms such as head injuries or prolonged bed rest, or even from head and neck movements from everyday activities. 

The symptoms of BPPV can be extremely unsettling for patients to experience, so it is important for physiotherapists to have the background knowledge ready to assess, treat and educate patients about their vestibular system. This is why BPPV and identification of common vestibular disorders should be part of the basics of physiotherapy knowledge. 

In this online course, physiotherapist Karly Doehring presents an introduction and review of common vestibular disorders, with a focus on BPPV assessment, modifications and treatment. She illustrates the importance of knowing when to refer a patient on and how to tailor the subjective and objective assessment for complex cases. She also demonstrates basic vestibular exercises and their modifications that can be used for special populations. 

Take this opportunity to learn more about BPPV and common vestibular dysfunctions, and start incorporating these tools in your physiotherapy practice vocabulary. 

Learning Objectives

In this online course, participants will:

1. Differentiate between dizziness and vertigo
2. Learn the common causes of dizziness
3. Learn common disorders of the vestibular system
4. Recognize common signs and symptoms of vestibular dysfunctions
5. Assess and treat individuals with BPPV in person and virtually
6. Learn when to refer, modify the BPPV assessment for complex injuries or multiple comorbidities and apply them in the clinic
7. Teach basic vestibular exercises for resolved BPPV patients

Audience

This online course is available to all healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and chiropractors.

This course was recorded at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress in May 2022. 

Speaker Bio: Karly Doehring, PT

Karly is a Physiotherapist from McMaster University, specializing in treating dizziness, vestibular dysfunction, concussions, and TMJ dysfunction. With eight years of experience, she brings a unique perspective, having lived with dizziness due to repeated concussions. She completed the Vestibular Rehabilitation Competency Based Course at Emory University in 2017 and the Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation course series with Richard Clendaniel. Currently, Karly is involved in research on post-traumatic dizziness, demonstrating her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field.