Vestibular Issues And Balance Disorders CEU Courses

This presentation delves into the current understanding of vestibular function in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experiencing chronic imbalance. This talk highlights recent findings and case studies, ongoing challenges, and potential future research directions.

Balance issues are often seen in conjunction with hearing loss and affect a large number of patients seen by hearing healthcare professionals. Many patients are looking for a way to be more proactive with their overall health, especially when it comes to their hearing and vestibular health. This course will examine the basics of Starkey’s newest tool utilizing our onboard sensor technology, Balance Assessment.

Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) are comprised of Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) and Functional Motor Disorders, with the Functional Gait Disorders (FGD) and PPPD being the most relevant to audiology vestibular clinics. This course provides information and resources to help providers identify these patients and better manage their case.

Exploring vestibular disorders in children, this webinar delves into the unique clinical pathways and diagnostic challenges of pediatric third window phenomena. It highlights the groundbreaking research and specialized assessment techniques at Alder Hey, Europe’s leading pediatric balance center. The session underscores the critical need for precise recognition and management of these disorders, which are often overlooked yet crucial for reducing morbidity in affected children.

The webinar delves into the crucial role of gaze stabilization in daily functioning, which allows individuals to track objects, orient in space, and perceive the world in three dimensions. It examines the complex interactions between the brain and peripheral sensors that manage signals sent to oculomotor and spinal muscles, highlighting the vestibular system's key contribution. The session discusses how eye movements reflect brain integration processes, and how abnormalities in these movements can indicate neurological issues, often before they are detectable through imaging. The presentation features a personal collection of over 80 abnormal eye movements to illustrate different neurological pathologies, utilizing advanced computerized tools to measure and diagnose these abnormalities.

The webinar provides a comprehensive analysis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), concentrating on its diagnosis, treatment, and the physiological basis behind it. The webinar aims to deepen the understanding of BPPV's clinical manifestations and treatment protocols through detailed discussions on positional testing and canal orientation.

The session highlights the significance of influencing factors like gaze testing and visual fixation, which are pivotal in assessing the functional integrity of the vestibular system. Furthermore, it introduces provocative testing techniques, including the head-shaking test and hyperventilation testing, to provoke vestibular responses that might not be evident under normal conditions. Lastly, the webinar provides a comprehensive overview of vestibular nystagmus, detailing its characteristics and the diagnostic value it holds in distinguishing between various vestibular pathologies.

Vestibular diagnostics has been advancing at a rapid pace over the last 2 decades with the evolution of knowledge and technology. While these diagnostics can be readily applied in adults, in the pediatric population, they must be used with due care and interpretations might not be as straightforward as those in adults. This session offers valuable insights into the challenges of evaluating vestibular disorders in children, illustrated by examples from the author’s personal experiences.

This event will cover the underlying reasons and mechanisms of eye movements, the different functional classes of eye movements, and the various techniques for recording them. It will also delve into VNG protocols and the analysis of Saccades, Smooth Pursuit, and Optokinetic movements to offer comprehensive insight into the diagnostics and treatment processes.

This event discusses in detail the different vestibulotoxic agents, their mechanism of action, their effect, and the management of vestibulotoxicity.