1. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system and how it relates to pathology
2. Perform several evaluation and treatment techniques for people with vestibular and balance disorders
3. Differentiate between peripheral and central vestibular disorders
4. Identify the indications and contraindications for vestibular rehabilitation
5. Recognize the signs and symptoms of and evaluate for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
6. Perform the standard treatments for BPPV
7. Identify the expected outcomes of vestibular rehabilitation

Meet Our Presenters

Diane M. Wrisley, PhD, PT, NCS Emeritus

Dr. Wrisley is an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Wingate University, is Director of Post-professional Programs and has emeritus status as board certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy. Dr. Wrisley holds a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a post-professional master’s degree from Old Dominion University and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Balance Disorders Laboratory at the Neurological Sciences Institute of Oregon Health & Sciences University under the mentorship of Dr. Fay Horak and Dr. Robert Perterka. Dr. Wrisley has received pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship grants from the National Institute for Deafness and Communication as well as funding from the Foundation for Physical Therapy. She has over 30 years of clinical experience and has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of patients with vestibular and balance deficits and was awarded the APTA Neurology Section’s award for Clinical Excellence in Neurological Physical Therapy in 2002. She is a fellow of ABPTRFE credentialed Educational Leadership Institute and has been a full time faculty member for over 12 years. Dr. Wrisley has published numerous research articles and book chapters and presented both nationally and internationally. Her research interests include sensory influences on balance including the role of the cervical afferents on dizziness and balance, the evaluation and treatment of balance disorders, and physical therapy outcomes for people with vestibular and balance dysfunction.

Sharan Zirges, PT, DPT, MSHA 

Dr. Zirges is a physical therapist with 30 years of experience in home health, acute, geriatric, and neurological rehabilitation. Currently she is the program director and assistant professor in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She completed her Post-professional DPT at A.T. Still University in June 2016. Sharan has lectured, written and researched on fall prevention, fear of falling, and balance rehabilitation both nationally and internationally.

Course Fees

• APTA Home Health Member - $189.00
• APTA Member - $210.00*
• Non-Member - $350.00

* APTA Members who are NOT Home Health members - please email us atadmin@homehealthsection.orgto receive a discount code to register with APTA Member pricing.

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