Presenters: 
Richard Gans, PhD
Sara Jagger, AuD, PhD 

CEUs: 0.1 AAA/Tier 1

Duration: 60 minutes

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Program Focus: Knowledge 

Description:

Vestibular evaluation and management have changed dramatically along with better understanding of conditions that cause dizziness and imbalance and new diagnostic tests. Most audiologists had little vestibular coursework and rotations during their university training, but audiologists are critical components of the multi-disciplinary assessment of dizziness and imbalance. The focus of this session is to understand vestibular conditions, diagnostics, and treatment through a case study approach. Topics covered include updates on clinical practice guidelines for vestibular and non-vestibular conditions, diagnostic test options, and creating and maintaining good relationships with referring providers.

Learning Outcomes:  

1. Identify symptoms related to vestibular and non-vestibular causes of dizziness.
2. Differentiate the principles of available vestibular tests.
3. Describe effective vestibular report writing and communication with referring providers.

Richard Gans, PhD 

Founder and CEO of The American Institute of Balance, one of the largest balance centers in the USA, Dr. Gans received his PhD from The Ohio State University in Auditory-Vestibular Physiology. For over 20 years has been a leader in the development of vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation techniques, including tests of oscillopsia and postural stability as well as BPPV treatment. He has presented or published over 150 programs and papers worldwide in the area of equilibrium disorders. He is the author of 8 textbook chapters and texts ranging from diagnostic vestibular testing, vestibular rehabilitation, BPPV treatments and pediatric vestibular evaluation. Thieme Medical Publishers will publish his upcoming textbook, Evaluation and Management of Balance Disorders in Children and Adults. His most current research is in the areas of pediatrics, migraine and psychiatric aspects of dizziness. Dr. Gans served as the President of the American Academy of Audiology (2004-2005) and continues to be active in professional and governmental issues. He is an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University and the University of South Florida.

Sara Jagger, AuD, PhD 

Sara Jagger, AuD, PhD, is currently serving in multiple roles including audiology subject matter expert in the traumatic brain injury center of excellent at General Dynamics, contracting with The American Institute of Balance (AIB), and research collaboration with Mayo Clinic. She is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Prior to these roles, she was a clinical audiologist with Mayo Clinic, specializing in otologic disorders and vestibular diagnostics and treatment. Dr. Jagger was the chief medical officer for the AIB clinics and a faculty member for AIB education workshops. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Pennsylvania State University, doctor of audiology degree from A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences, and PhD degree in health sciences from Nova Southeastern University.