Course Code: REL-RTS-0-VRPAT
Hours: 2
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026
Learning Objectives:
Determine the basic anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system.
Classify clinical presentations of vestibular impairments including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH), bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH), and central causes.
Select appropriate assessments as part of a vestibular evaluation.
Determine a clinical diagnosis and treatment plan based on vestibular symptoms and examination findings.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Vestibular System Anatomy and Physiology
Why It Matters
Peripheral Vestibular System
Review
Blood Supply
Vestibular Nerve and Nuclei
Vestibular System Physiology
Understanding Dizziness
Review
Summary
Section 3: The History and Initial Evaluation
Patient History
Clinical Assessment
Nystagmus
Static Observation
Smooth Pursuits
Saccades
Head Shaking Nystagmus Test
VOR Tests
Differentiating Central and Peripheral Disorders
Review
Summary
Section 4: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Presentation
BPPV Special Tests
Dix-Hallpike Maneuver
Side-Lying Test for Posterior Canal
Roll Test for Horizontal Canal
Review
Summary
Section 5: Treatment of BPPV
Overview
Canalith Repositioning for Posterior Canalithiasis (Epley)
Liberatory (Semont) Maneuver
Canalith Repositioning for Horizontal Canalithiasis
Brandt-Daroff Exercises
BPPV Special Considerations
Review
Summary
Section 6: Unilateral and Bilateral Vestibular Loss
Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (UVH)
Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Additional Causes of UVH and BVH
Review
Summary
Section 7: Treatment of UVH and BVH
Treatment for UVH
Gaze Stabilization
Habituation Exercises
Treatment of BVH
Review
Summary
Section 8: Central Vestibular Disorders and Other Causes of Dizziness
Central Vestibular Disorders
Miscellaneous Causes of Dizziness
Instructor: Kayla (Boespflug) Hamilton, PT, DPT, NCS, CLT
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University in Exercise Science and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Michigan – Flint. Kayla holds additional certifications as an ABPTS Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She has been a practicing PT for over 8 years and has spent most of her career working in inpatient rehabilitation with various neurological populations. She most enjoys mentoring students, working with those with spinal cord injury, completing specialty wheelchair and seating evaluations, and working with amputees as they learn how to use their prosthetics. Kayla currently is working in an outpatient clinic as the resident lymphedema specialist.
Writer: Nicole Fogarty, PT, DPT
Nicole Fogarty holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University. She has experience treating patients with cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, and neurological impairments in the inpatient setting. She also has experience in outpatient orthopedics. She has additional training in medical screening, lumbopelvic examination and treatment, and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Nicole enjoys using her clinical experience and interest in current rehabilitation research as a Physical Therapy writer for Relias.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Intermediate level Occupational Therapist; Physical Therapist; in the following settings: Rehabilitation Settings.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.