This pre-conference session aims to provide a practical overview of vestibular audiology, with an emphasis on accessible, clinic ready assessment and management strategies. It will include a concise review of vestibular anatomy and physiology; differentiating peripheral and central vestibular dysfunction and highlighting key clinical features and red flags. A major focus of this presentation will be on bedside vestibular assessments that require minimal or no equipment, enabling clinicians to efficiently screen patients in everyday practice. These bedside assessments include observational and positional tests that can help identify common disorders such as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), VOR (vestibular-occular reflex) loss, and general postural instability, which will help guide appropriate referral and/or management pathways.
The latter portion of the presentation will address evidence based management approaches. This includes canalith repositioning maneuvers for BPPV treatment, as well as an introduction to vestibular rehabilitation strategies. Attendees will learn how targeted repositioning maneuvers and vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be used to reduce vestibular symptoms (as well as risk of falling) and improve functional outcomes for their patients.
Overall, this session hopes to equip clinicians with practical tools to enhance early identification, streamline decision making, and initiate effective management of vestibular dysfunction.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe key components of vestibular anatomy and physiology relevant to clinical practice
- Understand vestibular assessment and how to accurately identify peripheral and central vestibular weaknesses.
- Perform basic bedside vestibular/balance assessments without the need for specialized equipment
- Apply appropriate BPPV repositioning techniques depending on proper identification of positional vertigo
- Develop initial vestibular rehabilitation strategies to support patient recovery
