Assessment and Management of Dizziness and Acute Balance Impairment

This course will provide AHPs and Nurses with a range of knowledge and skills, to assess and treat a person who has primarily presented to urgent and emergency care settings with dizziness or balance problems.

Learners will already have a basic understanding of the neurological system, and will be looking to develop their knowledge further, and to confidently assess and manage the person experiencing dizziness or acute balance impairment.

The course will cover the following areas of assessment:

· Types of dizziness and risk factors.

· How blood pressure is controlled and the effect of postural changes on blood pressure.

· Overview of the vestibular system, and assessment of hearing, vision and proprioception.

· Assessment and treatment of vertigo including the Dix Hallpike Test, Epley manoeuvre, and Brandt-Daroff exercises.

· Principles and common exercises for vestibular rehabilitation.

The course will include both a revision of relevant anatomy and physiology, and demonstration and opportunity to practice a range of assessment skills that can be used in urgent and emergency care clinical practice with minimal resource and time.

A range of learning activities will be used to meet each individual learners’ preferred learning styles, and support integration into their clinical practice. There will be opportunity to practice skills learnt during the day.