Talk Dizzy to Me Podcast Episode

Hosts and Guest

• Hosts: Dr. Danielle Tolman, Dr. Abby Ross (absent due to illness).
• Guest: Dr. Christina Garrity, NCS, PT.

Dr. Christina Garrity's Background

• Specializes in neurologic physical therapy.
• Graduated from the University of Dayton in 2012.
• Experience:
  • Inpatient rehab at a Level 1 trauma center: stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury.
  • Outpatient neurologic rehabilitation center.
  • Emory Vestibular Rehab course and UPMC Advanced Vestibular course.
  • Neuro vestibular outpatient clinic: 50% neuro, 50% vestibular.
• Shifted to teaching, opened own vestibular outpatient clinic for flexibility in patient care and teaching.
• Started a PhD program at the University of Cincinnati.

Key Discussion Points

Treatment Selection for Patients

• Evaluation is crucial to guide treatment plans.
• Focus on functional findings and symptom triggers.
• Use of tools: infrared goggles, DVA with Snellen chart, modified CAT-SIB, FGA, motion sensitivity quotient.
• Treatment principles:
  • Gaze stabilization.
  • Sensory integration.
  • Habituation.

Treatment Approaches

• Customize treatments based on individual needs.
• Teach patients to be their own therapists.
• Example exercises: gaze stabilization, sensory integration, habituation.
• Vestibular migraine: education about lifestyle changes.

Equipment and Exercises

• Use simple, effective tools: floor dots, card games, head lasers, Spot It, boxing equipment.
• Creative, patient-specific exercise setups: mimic real-life situations.

Vestibular Therapy for Non-Dizzy Patients

• Important for balance, geriatric, MS, Parkinson's, brainstem stroke patients.
• Research: BPPV found in 25% of balance patients without dizziness symptoms.
• Courses developed for PTs to handle vestibular cases with minimal equipment.

Education and Mentorship

• Discussed mentorship and continuing education importance.
• Emory Vestibular Rehab course: intensive, foundational.
• UPMC Advanced Vestibular course: included concussion training.
• Value of mentorship and peer support in clinical settings.

Additional Resources

• Social Media: Dr. Christina Garrity’s Instagram vestibular_neuro_PT.
• Website: labyrinthpt.com.
• Talk Dizzy to Me podcast episodes for more information.

Conclusion

• The field of vestibular therapy is dynamic and requires continuous learning.
• Therapists should engage in ongoing education and seek mentorship opportunities.
• Utilize social media and online resources for continuous professional development.