2015 - Lateral BPPV

As a musculoskeletal therapist working in private practice, I first became aware of the positive influence we could have on clients with vestibular conditions, when preparing for my Specialisation exams in 2009. This area of clinical practice was something not covered in my undergrad nor postgraduate degree in Manipulative Physiotherapy, yet had become an area of ‘expected understanding’ within the domain of a modern musculoskeletal physiotherapist. I suspect mostly as a result of the common symptom of ‘dizziness’ and the potential of overlapping causes.

So with a ton of background reading and some clinical observation (thanks Alec!) I became aware of the magical reversal of the debilitating symptoms generated by dysfunction in the peripheral vestibular apparatus. Once you have helped someone that has lost all independence, is afraid to move and if they do, often experience extreme vertigo and vomit, it does seem like a miracle, and often after just one treatment.

Here is a video, just recently taken of my first presentation of a person with a lateral BPPV. He had been to the local hospital ED, where his symptoms had been aggravated by testing (vomiting + vertigo), started on stematil and told it would improve. After 2 days of ongoing symptoms, he was talking with a mate and past client of mine on the phone, who had had a similar presentation. Well it doesn’t sound like he finished the conversation with his mate ... just rustled up his wife and presented at the clinic, no appointment, saying he would wait until I was available.

Following the first assessment and treatment, he is doing fine - seemingly a miracle and how, in his words - “a few simple movements, and I am cured of something that was ruining my life.”

I am heading off to Melbourne in a couple of weeks to attend a 5-day “Basic” Vestibular Course and meet other vestibular enthusiasts that AAP Education is hosting. The course is being lead by world-renowned vestibular clinicians, Prof. Susan Herdman and Dr. Rick Clendaniel and supported by both an international and local faculty. This course is full and also the subsequent Advanced Course. But here you can find out more details about the Basic Course and Advanced Course and plan for the future. We anticipate these courses will be repeated in 12 - 18 months time. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, we have been able to arrange an Introductory Vestibular Course. This will be the third one for 2015, such has been the course’s popularity. Full course details including date, location and course outline can be found here. You can also enroll here, please scroll to the bottom.

Love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Doug Cary FACP
Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (awarded by Australian College of Physiotherapy, 2009)
PhD Candidate Curtin University
Clinical Director AAP Education

email: doug@aapeducation.com.au

ph/fx: 08 90715055

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