Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

BPPV is caused by calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) becoming dislodged and floating freely within the ear. The crystals move with changes of head position causing vertigo. Patients most commonly complain of short duration vertigo when moving, such as rolling over in bed, bending forward and looking up.
The course includes:
• Anatomy, physiology and pathology
• Red flags/subjective assessment
• Clinical oculomotor examination
• BPPV assessment
• Treatment techniques
• References
After the course, delegates should be able to:
• Understand the pathophysiology of BPPV
• Identify red flags
• Identify central neurological/atypical presentations
• Carry out diagnostic manoeuvres and interpret findings
• Identify and carry out the appropriate treatment manoeuvres for the posterior, anterior and horizontal canals

09:00 Start, Vestibular anatomy and physiology
09:45 Vestibular subjective examination
10:00-10:15 Coffee
10:15 Clinical oculomotor exam
11:00 BPPV theory and demonstration (anterior and posterior canal)
12:15 Nystagmus
12:30-13:00 Lunch
13:00 BPPV Practical (anterior and posterior canal)
14:00 Vestibular pathologies
14:30-14:45 Coffee (please hand out evaluations forms for completion)
14:45 BPPV theory and demonstration (horizontal canal)
15:00 BPPV practical (horizontal canal)
15:30 Case Studies
17:00 Finish

Richard O’Hara is a Chartered Physiotherapist currently practising vestibular rehabilitation. He has gained certification from Susan Herdmann’s world renowned intensive competency based course in Atlanta as well as certification in cervicogenic dizziness from Rob Landel in Los Angeles. He has spent time in clinic with audiological physicians treating dizziness and is the clinical lead for vestibular rehabilitation in the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust. He works closely with ENT consultants accepting referrals from them and GPs. He also runs a private clinic accepting self referrals from dizzy patients.