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Vestibular & Visual Disturbances Following Head Trauma
Credit Information
This course is approved for 1.0 CCUs for PT and PTA license renewal.
Publisher
TPTA
Description
Vestibular and visual disturbances are common post-head trauma and dizziness has been identified as the #1 indicator for post-concussion syndrome when reported at time of injury. This webinar will introduce the functional integration of the visual and vestibular system and how it can be affected with head trauma. You will be introduced to basic clinical assessment tools as well as how to incorporate findings into a rehabilitation program and how to identify the need for further referral.
Bridgett Wallace, PT, DPT, has a doctorate of physical therapy and holds a competency-based certification in vestibular rehabilitation. She has been treating patients with dizziness and balance disorders for more than 15 years and is the founder and President of 360°Balance – a specialty clinic for the evaluation and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders that includes both audiology and therapy services. She is also the founder and CEO of Concussion Health, which specializes in online and mobile tools for concussion management.
Ms. Wallace’s work encompasses a wide variety of patient populations ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics, from multi-factorial balance problems to collegiate athletes post-concussion, and innerear disorders to neurological disorders. She continues to consult locally and nationally on the development of balance centers and medical management of vestibular disorders, including return-toplay protocols for post-concussion athletes.
Objectives:
1. Understand the pathophysiology and metabolic changes post mTBI2. Identify common peripheral vestibular and central disorders with mTBI3. Recognize red flags associated with vestibular, visual and/or cervicogenic injuries from head trauma4. Identify critical components to the clinical exam post mTBI and how to integrate into a targeted rehab programSpeaker Bio:

Ms. Wallace has co-authored two patents on diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders and has developed a sideline assessment tool (PLAY IT SAFE®), which can be used from the junior high to professional level to evaluate athletes at time of injury. She has also authored the chapter on balance for the textbook, Therapeutic Exercise, and is currently co-authoring chapters on vestibular assessment and treatment for an upcoming neurology textbook for therapy students. Ms. Wallace lectures nationwide to other providers regarding dizziness and balance disorders and has been a consultant for The University of Texas Sports Medicine Department since 1998 regarding concussion management and over the last 2 years for the Major League Baseball Umpires’ Medical Team. She also provides consulting services for establishing comprehensive balance centers and concussion clinics.
Bridgett is involved locally and nationally in her professional association and currently serves on a specialty workgroup regarding concussion management for the American Physical Therapy Association. She has also served as a board member for the Austin Groups for the Elderly (AGE), the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) and the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA). 360 Balance has received a “Top Clinics” award from the Austin Business Journal (ABJ) 4 years in a row and, in 2011, Bridgett was one of the recipients of the “Health Care Heroes” award given by the ABJ and in 2013 received Outstanding Alumni Award from Texas State University.