Assessment of the Dizzy Patient in the Acute Care Setting

Dizziness accounts for up to 11% of emergency department visits each year in the United States. Approximately 40% of these patients have peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Physical and occupational therapistscan play an important role in the acute care setting by helping to identify the presence of a peripheral vestibular disorder, thus potentially saving money on unnecessary testing and lengthy hospital stays. This course will outline evidence- based bedside assessment strategies, that the therapist is uniquely trained to perform, to help in the evaluation and management of patients presenting with vertigo anddizziness. The therapist will also learn basic treatment interventions for vestibular hypofunction and BPPV and when to refer their patients for continued treatment.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants

Highlights

• Evidence-based bedside assessments to help identifycentral and peripheral sources of vertigo
• Immediately improve your patient’s symptoms with evidence-based treatment interventions aimed at resolving BPPV