Course unit details:
Vestibular Assessment and Management
| Unit code | PCHN60022 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Aims
Develop knowledge of vestibular pathologies, types of dysfunction, aetiology and prevalence, and the basic principles and practice of history taking, vestibular assessment and rehabilitation, in order to meet the requirements for employment in hearing healthcare service or research.
Teaching and learning methods
This will always be a blended approach consisting of:
- Directed-independent (via Softchalk) and self-directed learning
- Interactive lectures/ tutorials
- Practicals and practical demonstrations
Each topic will normally start with directed-independent learning, and then be followed up by a tutorial. These are designed to revise and advance knowledge, and in some cases give practical demonstrations of test or rehabilitation techniques. In some cases the topic will be fully taught through an interactive lecture. Practicals are given for at least three core testing/rehabilitation techniques. There are three additional advanced tutorials for which student preparation, and in one case a group presentation is needed. A revision tutorial ends this unit. Additional self-study/advanced reading on each topic is expected with suggestions given.
The mode of delivery of the tutorials and interactive lectures is flexible. It will be on-campus or online, and may change should the Covid-19 situation changes. Practicals are on-campus where possible, but can also be delivered online should this be needed.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular and oculomotor systems.
- Describe and explain the pathology, types, causes and epidemiology of balance disorders in adults
- Recognize the importance of and be able to list the main components of a vestibular case history, and describe the way in which this is taken
- Describe and critically evaluate the range of vestibular assessment techniques and the situations in which they may be used
- Analyse and interpret the results obtained from vestibular assessment techniques
- Critically evaluate the evidence base and practice of vestibular rehabilitation and describe how to administer a tailored vestibular rehabilitation plan
- Recognise the role of integrated services for the diagnosis and rehabilitation for adults with balance disorders
- Recognise how learning disability and communication difficulties or disorders might affect the clinical presentation, assessment and management of balance disorders in adults.
Intellectual skills
- Appraise scientific literature.
- Critically analyse and objectively interpret information/data.
Practical skills
- Present information clearly in the form of verbal and written reports.
- Communicate complex ideas and arguments in a clear and concise and effective manner.
- Work effectively as an individual or part of a team.
- Use conventional and electronic resources to collect, select and organise complex scientific information.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Use of library
- Academic reading
- Independent learning
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 100% |
Feedback methods
Written feedback
Recommended reading
Jacobson, P, Shepard, NT, Barin, K, Janky, K, Devin L & McCaslin, DL (2020), Balance function, assessment and management. 3rd edn. Plural, San Diego.
Herdman, S & Clendaniel, R (2014) Vestibular Rehabilitation. 4th edn. Contemporary Perspectives in
Rehabilitation, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 36 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 114 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Deborah Cane | Unit coordinator |