Stop the Spin: An Introduction to Vestibular Dysfunction for Rehabilitation Clinicians

Presented by the Spaulding Vestibular Special Interest Group

On-Demand
2.0 Hours
Available On-Demand until 12/31/2029


This introductory course covers current best practices in vestibular evaluation and screening, as well as treatment of BPPV. Clinicians will leave with practical, evidence-based tools to assess the vestibular patient, all grounded in the latest clinical practice guidelines and research.

Course Information

Estimated Time: 2.0 Hours

Continuing Education Credits Anticipated: APTA (PT), AOTA (OT)
Pricing
MGB Employees: Free with coupon code and proof of MGB User ID
Click here for coupon code
Non MGB Employees: $50.00


Learning OutcomesFollowing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify at least 3 clinical features that differentiate central from peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
  • Define at least 3 components of a vestibular examination
  • Determine appropriate canalith repositioning maneuver treatment maneuver based on a clinical profile
  • Define at least 3 rationales for a referral for further workup based on assessment results and patient history.

Time-Ordered Agenda

  • 10-minutes: Introduction
  • 20-minutes: Review of vestibular anatomy
  • 30-minutes: Evaluation, including history, red flags, oculomotor testing and differentiating central vs peripheral etiology
  • 30-minutes: Review of typical BPPV assessment and treatment
  • 20-minutes: Treatment and Case Studies
  • 10-minutes: Wrap-up and questions

Michelle Crisp Mathey, PT, DPT is a physical therapist at Spaulding Outpatient Center in Quincy, Massachusetts, and the chair of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Vestibular Special Interest Group. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University. Michelle’s clinical interests include vestibular dysfunction, concussion and traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders. She brings a specialized, evidence-based approach to treating patients with balance and dizziness disorders, helping them safely regain function and confidence in daily movement. Through her involvement in the Vestibular SIG, she works alongside fellow clinicians across Spaulding’s network to refine treatment protocols and share emerging best practices in vestibular rehabilitation.  

Jacquelyn Iannuzzo, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Spaulding Rehabilitation’s Braintree outpatient site and a member of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Vestibular Special Interest Group. She previously worked at Spaulding Nursing & Therapy Center and currently works per diem at Spaulding Hospital Charlestown, giving her a broad range of experience across both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings. In her clinical practice, she treats patients with a variety of neurological, orthopedic, and vestibular conditions. Jacquelyn is committed to providing evidence-based, individualized care that helps patients regain function, mobility, and independence. She continues to expand her expertise in vestibular rehabilitation through the Spaulding Vestibular Special Interest Group, collaborating with colleagues across the Spaulding network to advance best practices in the evaluation and treatment of dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders.

Emily Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS is a physical therapist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and a member of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Orthopedic Group. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Virginia before completing her Master of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees at the University of Delaware. Emily’s interest in physical therapy grew from her own experience as a patient, having undergone multiple knee surgeries growing up, which shaped her patient-centered, team-based approach to care. Outside of the clinic, she stays active with swimming, golf, yoga, and art.

Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists
Instructional Level: Introductory
Prerequisites: None
Cancellation Policy: Spaulding reserves the right to adjust components of this program or to cancel the program for unexpected occurrences.  Notice of changes or cancellation will be provided expediently.  Upon cancellation of a course, a refund for the price paid for the course will be given. A processing fee of $10 may be charged when the registrant provides written notice of cancellation of their attendance less than 7 business days prior to the program date. Tuition is non-refundable if the registrant does not provide notice of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the program date.  Spaulding apologizes but will not be responsible for inconveniences incurred due to program changes.
Speaker Disclosures: Michelle Crisp Mathey is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. Jacquelyn Iannuzzo is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. Emily Schmidt is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share.

Spaulding Rehabilitation is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# PENDING. This Distance Learning-Independent course is offered at 0.2 CEUs, Introductory level, OT Service Delivery and Foundational Knowledge categories. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Spaulding Rehabilitation is recognized as an APTA MA Approved Provider. Information provided should be used within the scope of practice.  Even though the APTA MA approval process is in line with criteria for most other states, APTA MA cannot guarantee CEU/CCP approval for use in other states/disciplines, and it is the responsibility of the course attendee to verify approval within their own state. This course is offered for 2.0 Contact Hours.

SR Division of Education and Training CEU facilitators Marianne Savastano, MS, CCC-SLP; Katherine MacKirdy, MSPT, GCS, MPH;
Matt Keilty, OTR/L and Kathleen Crosskill, MS, CCC-SLP

Course Information

Estimated Time: 2.0 Hours

Join Live Lecture on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

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