Advances in Clinical Vestibulology

The teaching and learning methodologies will include: face-to-face lectures with demonstrations and hands-on replication of vestibular function and postural balance assessment techniques; case studies, solved in small groups, to enhance the integration of theoretical
knowledge; independent student work, including practical exercises and reflective assignments, guided by the instructor via distancelearning tools. Guest lectures by experts in vestibular function assessment.

According to the Academic Regulations of Coimbra Health School, students can choose between two assessment methods: Continuous Assessment or Final Examination.
Continuous Assessment
– Theoretical-Practical (TP) Component: Written test (40%), minimum grade of 9.5/20. This is a mandatory assessment component. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not permitted.
– Practical-Laboratory (PL) Component: Laboratory work report (30%), no minimum grade. This is a mandatory assessment component. AI use is permitted for research, structuring, and writing, provided it is explicitly cited + Review Article Assignment: Paper on one of the curricular unit’s topics (30%), no minimum grade. AI use is allowed for synthesis and structuring, provided it is explicitly cited.
Final Grade Calculation: Written Test *40% + Laboratory Work Report *30% + Review Article *30%
Final Examination: Exam: 100% of the final grade, minimum grade of 9.5/20. This is a mandatory assessment component. AI use is not permitted.
Final Grade Calculation: Theoretical-Practical (TP)* 50% + Practical-Laboratory (PL)*50%

By the end of the course, students should be able to:
O1. Perform and interpret exams that assess vestibular function and postural balance.
O2. Correlate exam results with clinical signs and symptoms.
O3. Associate exam findings with possible vestibular syndromes.
O4. Assess vestibular function and postural balance across different age groups (pediatric to elderly populations).
O5. Acquire knowledge of new methods for assessing vestibular function.
O6. Gain insights into recent scientific studies related to vestibular function assessment.

1. Assessment of Vestibular Function:
1.1. Videonystagmography in Clinical Practice – from execution to analysis and clinical interpretation
1.1.1. Oculomotor function
1.1.2. Nystagmus assessment (spontaneous, positional, and vibratory)
1.1.3. Rotational test
1.1.4. Caloric test
1.2. Video Head Impulse Test – from execution to analysis and clinical interpretation
1.3. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMP and oVEMP) – from execution to analysis and clinical interpretation
1.4. Dynamic Visual Acuity
1.5. Subjective Visual Vertical
2. Posturography
3. Vestibular Assessment in Pediatric Populations
4. Vestibular Assessment and Aging

NAO