In-Person Course for Therapists. Complete Both Days for 13.5 Contact Hours (1.35 CEUs)
October 18, 2025: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm PST
October 19, 2025: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm PST
Optum Madison Center (formerly The Polyclinic)
Physical Therapy Department
Seattle, WA 98104
EARLY BIRD RATE!
Register by September 6, 2025 to receive $20 off your registration. Enter coupon code EARLYBIRD20 at checkout to receive the discount. Must be used at time of registration.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Symptoms of dizziness are the number 3 reason individuals over the age of 65 seek medical attention. It becomes the number 1 reason for seeking care in individuals over the age of 70. Medical or surgical management is often not indicated or helpful, but many of these individuals do benefit from vestibular rehabilitation techniques. In addition, 50% of the individuals over the age of 65 with dizziness will develop a particular form of vertigo that can be alleviated with one simple therapy treatment. These individuals with vertigo and dysequilibrium represent a large patient population for physical and occupational therapy.
This course will focus on the assessment and treatment of patients with vertigo and disequilibrium from vestibular causes. Specific emphasis will be placed on the assessment and treatment of unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction, benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo, central vestibular disorders, and multisensory dizziness. This information is applicable to a large patient population including geriatric patients as well as individuals with CNS lesions such as multiple sclerosis, CVA, and head injury.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify the normal anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system
- Identify the impact of a vestibular lesion on normal function
- Identify the eye movements which are indicative of peripheral vestibular hypofunction including direction fixed horizontal nystagmus, head-shaking induced nystagmus, abnormal head thrust test
- Identify the eye movements which are indicative of central vestibular disorders including direction-changing nystagmus, vertical nystagmus, impaired VOR cancellation, saccadic pursuit, hypometric, hypermetric, or slowed saccades
- Identify the eye movements which are indicative of posterior, anterior and horizontal canal BPPV (canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis)
- Differentiate between unilateral vestibular hypofunction, bilateral vestibular hypofunction, BPPV, Meniere’s disease, motion provoked dizziness based, and non-vestibular causes of dizziness based on the patient’s presenting history and symptoms
- Differentiate between unilateral vestibular hypofunction, bilateral vestibular hypofunction, BPPV, Meniere’s disease, motion provoked dizziness, central vestibular disorders and non-vestibular causes of dizziness based on the patient’s clinical examination
- Apply the history and clinical exam results to determine an appropriate, evidence-based treatment strategy for an individual with a vestibular disorder
AUDIENCE:
This course is designed for PTs, PTAs, OTs, and OTAs.
Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, FAPTA is an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, and in the Department of Head & Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine. He received his MS in Physical Therapy and Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in neuro-otology with Susan Herdman, PhD, PT. He previously served as director of the Vestibular Rehabilitation program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He is on the medical advisory board for the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) and on the board of directors for the American Balance Society. Dr. Clendaniel maintains an active practice treating patients with vestibular disorders and dizziness. His research is in the assessment of the vestibular system and the plasticity of the vestibular system following injury.
Excellent speaker! Bright, approachable and with a sense of humor. Dr. Clendaniel presented difficult material and made it understandable. -Debra W., PT
Richards clinical expertise is undeniable. He really came to life through his actual, clinic examples both verbally and via video. He skillfully, clearly and concisely presented often complex and usually confusing information. -Kathrine P., PT
Richard is a credit to the profession; he is knowledgeable, well spoken, and an extremely pleasant presenter. The content of the material covered was detailed and well organized. -Fran K., PT
Dr. Clendaniel's knowledge and great teaching skills showed in this very comprehensive seminar. -Mary C., OT
VENUE ADDRESS
Optum Madison Center (formerly The Polyclinic)
Physical Therapy Department 904 7th Avenue 4th Floor
Seattle, WA 98104
Directions
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