Unit information: Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation in 2010/11

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Unit name Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation
Unit code AUDIM0010
Credit points 20
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Dr. Zhao
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department Centre for Hearing and Balance Studies
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The unit is designed to equip participants with knowledge and practical skills in the field of assessment and rehabilitation in balance and vestibular system, including essential components to prepare for the progress within the BAA higher training scheme. In addition, there will be detailed background knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral and central vestibular systems, detailed instruction on the administration and interpretation of tests in the vestibular test battery including critical appraisal of their efficacy, together with vestibular rehabilitation including the principles and evidence behind it, how to formulate treatment plans and tailor them to individual patients practically and the psychosocial consequences of dizziness and balance problems.

Aims:

  • To give a solid grounding of the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral and central vestibular systems, thereby facilitating an understanding of the theoretical basis behind the vestibular test battery.
  • To enable participants to be able to acquire and apply history-taking skills.
  • To provide a detailed knowledge of commonly used vestibular tests, the analysis of test results and the evidence base behind test selection.
  • To enable the writing of good, clear clinical reports.
  • To present the physiological principles behind vestibular rehabilitation and to enable participants to be able to formulate appropriate treatment plans for balance-disordered patients.
  • To provide an awareness of newly emerging techniques in this area.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the participant should be expected to:

a) Demonstrate understanding of the principles and procedures behind common tests used in vestibular assessment.

b) Utilise knowledge of the physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems to collate relevant information, interpret and make an informed decision concerning the diagnosis and management of individual cases with balance disorders.

c) Formulate assessment and treatment plans, liaising with the relevant professionals to co-ordinate assessments & care, as appropriate.

Teaching Information

Lectures, practical sessions, role-play.

Extensive reading outside timetabled hours will be expected

Assessment Information

Case studies assessment (1000 words) (20%)

Assignment (2000 words) (50%)

Practical write-up (2) (750 words each) (15% each)

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