This introductory course on dizziness and balance provides a comprehensive overview of the vestibular system, focusing on its anatomy, physiology, and role in human balance. Participants will gain insights into the importance of objective vestibular assessment and its goals. Essential topics in the vestibular interview are emphasized, including accurate symptom description, aggravating and alleviating factors, and medical history collection.

Participants will learn about the audiologist’s role in diagnosing and treating dizziness and imbalance, understanding the diverse causes of dizziness, and distinguishing between central, peripheral, and mechanical origins. We will explore the analysis of eye movements and nystagmus, crucial for diagnosing vestibular disorders. And we will introduce the testing procedures, parameters of analysis, diagnostic criteria and treatment options for BPPV.

By the end of the course, attendees will have a solid understanding of the vestibular system’s intricacies and its impact on balance. They will have a better understanding of the expertise and skills necessary for conducting comprehensive vestibular assessments and how each test contributes to the effective diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand and be able to explain the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system
• Understand human balance and the role of the vestibular system in balance
• Understand the importance, value and goals of objective vestibular assessment
• Identify essential topics in the vestibular interview and the importance of obtaining accurate description of dizziness symptoms, aggravating and alleviating factors and medical history
• Gain understanding of the analysis of eye movements and nystagmus
• Understand the audiologist’s role in the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness and imbalance
• Understand the various causes of dizziness and the difference between central, peripheral and mechanical dizziness