Education Center

Intro to Vestibular Anatomy & Physiology

Vestibular Rehabilitation has become an integral part of physical therapy practice across the continuum of care. However, many physical therapists have not had the opportunity to engage in this area of specialty practice. This course is a designed to meet the needs of individuals wishing to enhance their foundational understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the components of the peripheral vestibular system
2. Understand the role of the vestibulo-ocular reflex
3. List central vestibular pathways
4. Explain the phases of nystagmus

Course Launched October 2021

Sara Oxborough

PT

Sara Oxborough received her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Master's Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She gained interest in Vestibular Rehabilitation while doing clinical rotations in her hometown of Kenosha, WI, where she learned the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation, as well as the rewards of therapy. 

Sara has been the director of the Physical Therapy Department at National Dizzy and Balance Center since 2008.  She enjoys treating a wide range of vestibular disorders especially concussion and vestibular migraine. Sara received Competency Certifications from Emory University, Atlanta, GA and American Physical Therapy Association in Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2009. In addition to clinic practice, Sara is a member of the leadership team of the Vestibular Special Interest Group through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Sara was involved in the development of the American Physical Therapy Association sponsored course entitled Expanding Neurologic Expertise: Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation, for which this course was based on.  She was involved in presenting many times nationally as well.  Sara has done many presentations through the Twin Cities regarding vestibular disorders and recently spoke at APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting regarding telehealth and vestibular therapy.

Jennifer Nash

PT, DPT, NCS, CEEAA

Dr. Jennifer Nash received her undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology at University of Arizona and her master’s and doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University.  She has been a board certified neurologic clinical specialist since 2006. She is a multiple sclerosis certified specialist as well as a certified exercise expert for aging adults.   Dr. Nash is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at University of Nevada, Las Vegas teaching neuro rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, professional development, balance and vestibular rehabilitation as well as mentoring service-based learning projects focused on fall prevention.  She is involved with evidence-based fall prevention programs as a Stepping On Master trainer and Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance Instructor as well as serving as the Vice Chair of the Nevada Goes Falls Free Coalition. In addition, Dr. Nash was the co-director and instructor for APTA ANPT Regional Course titled Introduction to Vestibular Rehabilitation and is currently the Vice Chair for the Nevada Physical Therapy Board.

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Intro to Vestibular Anatomy & Physiology
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package. Vestibular Rehabilitation has become an integral part of physical therapy practice across the continuum of care. However, many physical therapists have not had the opportunity to engage in this area of specialty practice. This course is a designed to meet the needs of individuals wishing to enhance their foundational understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system. Resources are available in the upper right hand corner of the course.
Course Evaluation
9 Questions
9 Questions Completion of this evaluation will help with the development of additional courses.
Post Test
10 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  7/13 points to pass
10 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  7/13 points to pass Must receive a 70% pass rate to receive the CEU/Contact hour certificate.
Completion Certificate/CEU
0.10 Contact Hours/CEU credits  |  Certificate available
0.10 Contact Hours/CEU credits  |  Certificate available
ANPT Resource
Select the "ANPT Vestibular SIG Website" button to begin.
Select the "ANPT Vestibular SIG Website" button to begin. The ANPT Vestibular Rehabilitation Special Interest Groups provides additional resources
ANPT Education Center Course
Select the "Part 2 Course" button to begin.
Select the "Part 2 Course" button to begin. Intro to Peripheral vs Central Pathology Vestibular Rehabilitation