The Fundamental Handbook for Vestibular Rehabilitation: Clinical Decision-Making to Treat Vertigo, Dizziness & Balance Disorders

Credits

Faculty

Colleen Sleik, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS Related seminars and products: 7

Focus On Function Physical Therapy PC

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Colleen Sleik, PT, DPT, OCS, NCS, is a licensed physical therapist, specializing in the treatment of patients with vestibular disorders when other forms of medical management have failed. Dr. Sleik founded a private practice in 2010 with the primary focus of treating patients with vestibular conditions. She continues to work as a specialist at Dickenson Rehab Services where more than 90% of her caseload consists of patients with vestibular and balance disorders.

Dr. Sleik graduated from The College of St. Catherine with a Master’s in physical therapy. She earned a transitional Doctor of physical therapy degree through The University of St. Augustine, Florida, and completed the Competency-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation course through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to board-certification as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Neurologic Clinical Specialist, Dr. Sleik is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapists, and the Vestibular Special Interest Group.

She began teaching continuing education courses in vestibular rehabilitation with the purpose of improving clinicians’ knowledge in the specialty of vestibular rehabilitation and ultimately improving the quality of patient care. Dr. Sleik’s goal as a clinician is to provide her patients with the best care available for return to daily function with minimal limitations, while also providing the tools for long-term self-management of symptoms.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Colleen Sleik has an employment relationship with Dickinson County Health Care System; and Aegis Therapies, Golden Living Center. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-financial: Colleen Sleik is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Additional Info

Program Information

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Objectives

1. Perform assessment techniques for vestibular patients with proper technique and appropriate patient-specific modifications.
2. Analyze findings of a vestibular assessment to determine a therapy diagnosis.
3. Recognize key subjective reports to further enhance evaluation and differential diagnosis skills.
4. Evaluate findings that assist in differentiation of central, peripheral and cervicogenic dizziness.
5. Formulate a plan of care based on findings from assessments to improve functional outcomes.
6. Employ proper treatment techniques from evidence-based guidelines for vestibular rehabilitation.
7. Evaluate prognosis based on accurate diagnostic procedures.
8. Develop appropriate goals for patients considering complete medical history and presenting factors that may modify rehab outcomes.

Outline

• Position modifications for patients with mobility limitations or in environments with limited space such as home health or acute care
• Clinical decision-making large group activity to apply assessment techniques and interpret findings
• Recognize assessment findings that indicate central, peripheral, and cervicogenic dizziness diagnoses
• Determine a therapy diagnosis based on patient history, onset, symptoms and assessment

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
• Vestibular neuronitis, labyrinitis
• Meniere’s disease, endolymphatic hydrops, acoustic neuroma
• Central vertigo: CVA, multiple sclerosis, migraine-associated
• Cervicogenic vertigo
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Sensory integration/Multi-factorial balance dysfunction

• Clearing cervical spine: mVAT, Sharp-Purser test
• Occulomotor exam: Smooth pursuit, Saccades, Vergence and visual acuity
• Vestibular exam: Head thrust, Head-Shaking Nystagmus, Hallpike-Dix, Roll Test
• Assessing nystagmus: Horizontal, vertical, torsional
• Motion sensitivity quotient
• Balance assessment: mCTSIB, Dynamic Gait Index, Gait

• Canalith repositioning maneuvers: Epley maneuver, BBQ roll / quick BBQ roll, Cassani, Appiani, Brandt-Daroff Exercises
• Gaze stabilization: Basic and advancements
• Balance progression
• Sensory integration in balance

• Vestibular EDGE recommendations from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy
• Direct each of the 4 areas of treatment for vestibular rehabilitation

Target Audience

• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Audiologists
• Athletic Trainers
• Physicians
• Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners