Evaluation and Treatment of Vestibular

Dysfunction in Adults: A Practicum

** ABOUT THE SPEAKER **

James Megna, P.T., MS, NCS., received a BS in Physical Therapy from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, School of Health Sciences. His post-graduate education includes a Master of Science in healthcare administration. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a specialist in neurological physical therapy. Mr. Megna holds a certificate of competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation from Emory University’s Department of Rehabilitation.  He is currently the Administrative Director for the Department of PM&R of Southside Hospital, in Bay Shore, New York. He previously served as the operation manager for outpatient rehabilitation services, as well as program manager for the Balance and Vestibular Clinic and Brain Injury In-patient Rehabilitation unit. Mr. Megna has written a textbook chapter entitled “Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation” in the book Patient with Acquired Brain Injury and has several peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, including Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. He is the President of Long Island Balance and Vestibular Physical Therapy, a national training and consultation service for Balance and Vestibular therapy clinics.

** ABOUT THE COURSE **

This course provides hands on experience for the rehabilitation clinician in the evaluation and management of adult patients with vestibular dysfunction. During this course, the participant will learn manual techniques to identify signs and symptoms of common vestibular syndromes, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and differentiate between peripheral and central vestibular hypofunction. Students will have the opportunity to perform exam and treatment techniques and will participate in case reviews.

** CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS**

ELITE Seminars has applied for 6 credit hours as an approve provider of the New York State Department of Education.

** COURSE OBJECTIVES **

This course is targeted for the postgraduate therapist interested in the evaluation and management of vestibular disorders. By the end of the course the therapist will:

1.      Demonstrate competency in performing an exam to identify BPPV

2.      Provide appropriate treatment interventions for patients with BPPV

3.      Identify and differentiate peripheral from central vestibular hypofunction

4.      Prescribe treatment interventions for vestibular hypofunction

** AUDIENCE**

This course is designed for Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistants.

** COURSE AGENDA **

8:00 – 8:30      Course Registration

8:30 – 8:45      Introduction

8:45 – 10:00    Evaluation of BPPV

10:00 – 10:15  Break

10:15 – 12:00  Treatment of BPPV

12:00 – 1:00    Lunch

1:00 – 2:30      Evaluation of Vestibular Hypofunction

2:30 – 2:45      Break

2:45 – 4:00      Treatment of Vestibular Hypofunction

4:00 – 4:30      Questions & Answers