Overview
Constraint Induced Laboratory
Dizziness and Balance Center
Exercise Immunology Laboratory
Motion Analysis Lab
Motor Learning/Control Laboratory
Prevention and Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Qualitative Distinctions of Moral Practice
Spinal Cord Injury Lab at Shepherd Center
Sensorimotor Control and Plasticity Laboratory
Principal Investigators

Dizziness and Balance Center

Research Mission

Research at the Dizziness and Balance Center is directed at developing better methods of identifying vestibular disorders and at improving treatment of those patients. Clinical research in these problems is base at the Center for Rehabilitation. Current projects include: Determining the effectiveness of physical therapy for patients with unilateral and bilateral vestibular loss; early identification of vestibular loss in patients that are receiving ototoxic medications; development of a new method for assessing visual acuity during head movement in patients with vestibular loss; decreasing the risk for falls in patients with balance problems, and development of new methods of diagnosing vestibular deficits.

Education

Fellowships and Observerships in Dizziness and Eye Movement Center Our approach to the evaluation and non-surgical treatment of patients with dizziness and balance disorders will be demonstrated in the clinic. Key points in the history, an extensive clinical exam, pertinent vestibular testing (caloric, rotary chair and dynamic posturography), medical management, and vestibular rehabilitation will be stressed. All equipment is on site. Handouts in English are provided including the initial questionnaire, physical exam template, patient handouts for migraine and Meniere’s disease, and rehabilitative exercises for BPPV and vestibular hypofunction. This will be of interest to physicians and physical therapists. It interested contact Dr. Tusa or Dr. Herdman at 404 712-1976 or by email (rtusa@emory.edu; sherdma@emory.edu).


Personnel

  • Susan Herdman, PT, PhD
  • Ronald Tusa, MD, PhD
  • Courtney D. Hall, PT, PhD
  • Sharon Polensek, MD, PhD
  • Lisa Gillig, PT, DPT
  • Jeff Hoder, PT, DPT, NCS
  • Megan Crawford PT, DPT

Current Projects

  • Determine the effectiveness of physical therapy for patients with vestibular loss
  • Establish the utility of dynamic visual acuity in following patient with vestibular deficits
  • Determine the neural mechanisms of recover of vision
  • Determining the effect of combined vestibular loss and cognitive impairment on fall risk
  • Determine the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation on recovery of imbalance in people with dizziness of non-vestibular etiology
  • Development of targeted physical therapy interventions for problems associated with essential tremor, brainstem stroke and degenerative cerebellar disease.

Continuing Education

Date

Course Title

Content

Brochure

01/26/09
5 days
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Location: Capetown, South Africa
Director: Christine Rogers
Introductory course on vestibular exam, testing and treatment for MDs, audiologists and PTs
Christine Rogers
crogers@pgw.c.gov.za

Tentative Schedule
03/30/09 04/04/09
(yearly)
Vestibular Rehabilitation –A Competency - based course
Location: Atlanta, GA
Director: Susan Herdman PT, PhD
Certification of vestibular rehabilitation (clinical exam, testing, rehab) for PTs and MDs

Ginger Moore
Vimoore12@aol.com
04/28/09
(yearly)
Neuro-Otology
Location: American Academy Neurology
Director: Ronald Tusa, MD, PhD
½ day course on assessment and management of patients with dizziness for MDs
http://am.aan.com/
Tentative Schedule
04/29/09
(odd years)
Vestibular testing for the practicing physician
Location: American Academy Neurology;
Director: Terry Fife, MD
Tutorial course on vestibular testing for MDs
http://am.aan.com/
Tentative Schedule
06/17/09 06/19/09
(odd years)
Beginner Balance
Location: Southampton, England
Director: Jane
Burgneay, MS
Introductory course on vestibular exam, testing and treatment for MDs, audiologists and PTs
Cat Olding

06/23/10 06/25/10
(even years)
Advanced Balance
Location: Southampton, England
Director: Jane
Burgneay, MS
Advanced course on vestibular exam, testing and treatment for MDs, audiologists and PTs Cat Olding

Tentative Schedule
07/10 07/10
(even years)
Vestibular Function Testing
-Interpretation and Application to Rehabilitation
Location: Atlanta, GA
Director: Susan Herdman PT, PhD
Interface vestibular testing with Rehabilitation for PTs, audiologists, MDs. Ginger Moore
Vimoore12@aol.com
08/09
08//09
(odd years)
Advances in Vestibular Rehabilitation – A Competency Course
Location: Durham, NC
Director: Richard Clendaniel PT, PhD
Advanced course on recent developments in assessment and treatment of patients with dizziness for PTs and MDs. Vestibular Rehab- The competency course is a pre-requisite. richard.clendaniel@duke.edu

 

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Contact Us
Division of Physical Therapy
1441 Clifton Rd N.E. Suite 170
Atlanta GA 30322
Phone: (404) 712-5660 (General Info)
Phone: (404) 727-4002 (Admissions)
Email: PT Admissions

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