The patient with vertigo experiences an illusory rotational sensation of their surroundings or of themselves in relation to the environment, as if everything around them is moving. The episodes can last from seconds to hours. The most common case is being paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), although it can also occur due to neuritis, labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, among others. Vertigo is a symptom caused by dysfunctions in the inner ear, where the vestibular system is located, although in certain cases, it may arise from a pathology of the central nervous system.
At the same time, the patient with a vestibular system pathology may also experience instability—both static and dynamic—floating sensation, dizziness, and intolerance to movement, with or without prior vertigo. Therefore, the significant level of disability that any vestibular system pathology can cause for patients becomes evident, affecting both their work activity, sports practice, and daily life, with basic everyday tasks being severely impacted.
In Germany, the annual prevalence of vertigo/dizziness in the adult population is 22.9%, and between 10% and 20% of patients suffer falls due to the symptoms. Nevertheless, according to H. K. Neuhauser, the unstable or dizzy patient requires an average of five medical visits to obtain an accurate diagnosis. This clearly highlights the shortage of specialized professionals in this field and the need to address the large number of patients. According to Bhattacharyya et al., in the U.S., the average direct and indirect cost before reaching a correct diagnosis of BPPV is $2,000, with 86% of cases suspending their work activities and 68% reducing their workload.
Currently, the level of knowledge regarding BPPV is high, both in its detection and treatment. Thanks to specific repositioning manoeuvres, it can be resolved with success rates of over 70% in just one or two sessions. On the other hand, some vestibular pathologies, such as vestibular hypo functions, which can trigger instability, floating sensation, dizziness, or intolerance to movement, require more sessions and a high level of specific training. Today, we have the necessary equipment to carry out a proper assessment and appropriate treatment through therapeutic exercise and the support of the latest technology as a key ally. The otoneurologist and the physiotherapist are the main healthcare professionals with the skills to address patients with this type of pathology: the otoneurologist handles the more medical aspects, from prescribing medication in specific cases to complementary tests if needed, while the physiotherapist handles rehabilitation, which includes treatment for BPPV and the entire process of rehabilitating instability, dizziness, or other balance issues. It is important to note that the psychologist plays a key role, especially in more chronic cases like Meniere’s disease or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
Despite being a significant health issue with notable prevalence, there has been no specialized training until now. This master’s program is, therefore, the first highly specialized training that brings together international faculty with extensive clinical and teaching experience to create a unique educational offering.
For university graduates in Physiotherapy or Medicine who wish to specialize in an emerging area such as vestibular physiotherapy.
For professionals who want to work in hospital settings or physiotherapy centres directly with patients affected by vestibular pathology. It is crucial that the student recognizes the importance of obtaining the highest level of evidence, both in assessment and in treatment, during the vestibular rehabilitation process.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Fisioterapeuta
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Diploma or degree in Physiotherapy.
Bachelor’s degree in Medicine.
30 spots available.
Curriculum
Anatomy and Physiology of the Balance System
The anatomy and physiology of the balance system—visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive—will be studied from basic to advanced levels. The functioning of vestibular physiology and its particularities will be explored, with the goal of providing students with a comprehensive and specific understanding of the non-pathological vestibular system.
Pathology and Pathophysiology of the Vestibular System
The pathology and pathophysiology of the vestibular system will be studied, a key knowledge for performing accurate functional assessment and vestibular rehabilitation. Several experts will discuss all peripheral and central vestibular syndromes.
Vestibular Rehabilitation in Adults
We will specifically address BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), its assessment, the technology used, and its treatment: cupulolithiasis, canalithiasis, posterior, horizontal, and anterior canals; uncommon BPPV; diagnostic manoeuvres: Dix-Hall pike, Minimum Stimulus Strategy, repositioning manoeuvres: Semont, Epley, Gufoni, etc.
We will assess, treat, and design rehabilitation plans for vestibular syndromes in the elderly, vestibular migraine, hydrops, Meniere’s disease, positional vertigo, PPPD, motion sickness, mild concussions, among others, using the latest technology (videonystagmography, rotary chair, and virtual reality). We will focus on the most effective psychological approach for these patients, especially the chronic ones (PPPD).
Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation
Management of vestibular pathology in children, such as vestibular migraine in children, recurrent childhood vertigo, vestibular paroxysmal, or concussions, among others. This will be explored in depth, from epidemiology, screening, and functional assessments to specific rehabilitation.
Methodology Applied to Research and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Integrate the methodology and procedures typical of scientific research in the field of vestibular rehabilitation.
Design and develop research in the area of vestibular rehabilitation, contributing new knowledge in a specific area of scientific and social interest while respecting ethical limits and values.
Master’s Thesis
Preparation and defense before a committee of an original work within the context of vestibular rehabilitation.
Theoretical and theoretical-practical classes form the core of the teaching methodology, but there are also seminars (in small groups), analytical assignments on different situations in groups, and individual work.
The format of individual work, whether for the Master’s Thesis or other subjects, includes a significant non-presential component, meaning that this distance learning will be distributed across all the subjects taught. For each of these subjects, all necessary materials for individualized work will be designed, including readings, seminar materials, online quizzes, and other resources required for the proper functioning of the master’s program.
Evaluation System
Competencies will be evaluated based on the following interventions:
Bases for the development of the final work:
Two methodological options are provided for its development:
In both options, a bibliographic search on the pathology and vestibular rehabilitation must be carried out.
180 hours of in-person sessions in 9 seminars. One weekend per month (Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm)
DIRECTOR: JOAN MANGAS
Physiotherapist. Professor of the Degree in Physiotherapy at EUSES. DIU in Exploration and Rehabilitation of Balance and Facial Function Disorders (Université Claude Bernard Lyon I). Vestibular Rehabilitation: An Advanced Course (University of Pittsburgh). Master’s in Osteopathy (EOB). Master’s in Translational Research in Physiotherapy (UAB). Vestibular Rehabilitation Levels 1 and 2 (Ambroise Paré Formation in Toulouse and Lyon). Evaluation and Treatment of the Dizzy and Unstable Patient 1 and 2 (Fisiofocus and IRVE). International Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificate (American Institute of Balance). Co-director of the Fisios Mig center in Olot.
DOCTOR NICOLÁS PÉREZ FERNÁNDEZ
Graduate and Doctor in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Navarra. Specialist in Otorhinolaryngology from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. He has conducted internships at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School, University Hospital Basel, and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He is currently co-director of the Department and Deputy Medical Director of Otorhinolaryngology at the Madrid headquarters of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra since 2020. He has been the director of numerous master’s thesis projects and doctoral theses. He has been a professor in the Master’s in Neurosciences and Cognition and in many other courses related to the vestibular system (University of Navarra, American Institute of Balance). He is the author and co-author of numerous publications in books and high-impact journals. Bronze Medal from the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology.
OLIVIER DUMAS
Physiotherapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation since 1995. University Diploma in Exploration and Rehabilitation in Otoneurology (Université Lyon 1). Professor of the DIU in the Management of Audio-Vestibular Pathologies (Paris, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand), DIU in Exploration and Rehabilitation of Vertigo and Balance Disorders (Université Lyon 1), as well as at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Lyon Sud. Speaker at various national and international congresses. He has also published articles in high-impact journals.
DOMINIQUE GERBAULET
Physiotherapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation since 1990. DU in Vestibular Rehabilitation (Université Denis Diderot Paris VII). Professor of the DIU in Vertigo and Vestibular Rehabilitation (Sorbonne University) and of various courses since 2006. Speaker at numerous national and international congresses and co-founder of the French Society of Vestibular Physiotherapy (SFKV).
CÉCILE BÉCAUD
Physiotherapist specializing in pediatric vestibular rehabilitation. DIU in Exploration and Rehabilitation of Vertigo and Balance Disorders (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1). Vestibular Rehabilitation Levels 1 and 2 (Ambroise Paré Formation). Motor Rehabilitation of Babies from Birth to First Steps (M. Forestier). National and international speaker at various congresses. Professor and vestibular physiotherapist at the Hospital Femme, Mère, Enfant in Lyon.
JOSÉ IGNACIO ORTEGA SOLÍS
Physiotherapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. DIU in the Analysis and Rehabilitation of Balance Disorders (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1) and DIU in Vestibular Rehabilitation (Université Sorbonne). Certification in Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation (Jacksonville, USA). Associate Professor in Physiotherapy (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1). Secretary of the INPA Vestibular Special Interest Group.
NÚRIA CROS VILA
Graduate in Psychology with a Specialization in Clinical and Health Psychology (UB). Master’s Degree in General Health Psychology (UB). Master’s in Sexual and Couple Therapy (UB). Training in Psychological Care for Chronic Diseases (Consorcio Sanitario Integral). She has collaborated as a researcher on projects such as “Personality Characteristics in Patients with Depressive and/or Anxious Symptoms” in collaboration with UB and HUSC, among others. Young Researcher Award from the Vila Saborit Foundation. Co-author and speaker in various publications and training sessions.
SERGI LUCAS
Physiotherapist and Osteopath D.O. DIU in Vestibular Rehabilitation (Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris VI). Specialist in the Treatment of Vertigo accredited by SISMED/Alain Sémont. Member of the S.I.R.V. (International Vestibular Rehabilitation Society). APTA certified (American Physical Therapy Association) update in vestibular rehabilitation.
LAURENCE LEFEBVRE-DANIELOU
Physiotherapist. DIU in Neurobiological Foundations and Motor and Psychomotor Rehabilitation, Posture and Balance (Université Aix Marseille II). Vertigo, Balance Disorders, and Vestibular Rehabilitation Levels 1 and 2 (Ambroise Paré Formation). Advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation through clinical case studies (CEFIPS Toulouse) and instrumental approach to the vestibular pathways (EXALAB Lyon). Participant in numerous congresses (SIRV, SFKV, Assisses ORL Nice).
JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ
Physiotherapist and Osteopath D.O. DIU in Vestibular Rehabilitation (Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris VI). Specialist in the Treatment of Vertigo accredited by SISMED/Alain Sémont. International Online Vestibular Diploma (Audiology-Vestibular International Science Academy). Advanced Course Vestibular Rehabilitation (APTA Pittsburgh). Member of the S.I.R.V. (International Vestibular Rehabilitation Society).
LAURA FLIX DÍEZ
Physiotherapist. Master’s in Advanced Physiotherapy in Pain Management (La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid). Currently pursuing a doctorate at the Universitat de València. International Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificate (The American Institute of Balance). Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course (Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta). Since 2019, responsible for the development of a vestibular rehabilitation line at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. She has published two scientific articles and collaborated in writing a book chapter.
DOCTOR JORGE VEGA
Doctor in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with highest honors. European Diploma in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery (University of Paris 7). Associate Physician in Otorhinolaryngology at the Consorcio Sanitario del Alt Penedès and Garraf. Member of the Catalan Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Pathology. Member of the Academy of Medicine of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Speaker at numerous congresses and publications in otoneurology.
DOCTOR BERTA ALEMANY
Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona, Bellvitge Campus. Neurologist at the Neurology Service of the Josep Trueta Hospital in Girona and the Santa Caterina Hospital in Salt. Coordinator of the Ataxias and Rare Paraparesis Unit, working as a neurologist at the Josep Trueta Hospital and the Olot Hospital, where she follows patients with various degenerative, metabolic, and hereditary pathologies, as well as neurological conditions affecting balance and the vestibular nuclei. She has participated as an author and co-author in different scientific studies and has also been involved in numerous national and international congresses and scientific outreach events for patients.
DOCTOR JOAQUIM TARRÚS
Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from the Faculty of Medicine of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Teaching Unit: Hospital de Sant Pau). MIR exam passed in the first call in October 1993 with number 311 and obtaining a resident position in Ophthalmology at the Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona. Specialty in Ophthalmology (MIR Program), completed in December 1997 (Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona). Attending Ophthalmologist at the Ophthalmology Service of the Josep Trueta University Hospital in Girona and the Garrotxa Regional Hospital (Olot). Subspecialty in Pediatric Ophthalmology – Strabismus and Neuro-Ophthalmology.
PAULA PINTOR
Diploma in Optics and Optometry (UPC). Graduate in Psychopedagogy (UOC). Master’s in Optometry and Vision Sciences and Postgraduate in Pediatric Optometry (UPC). Co-academic director of the Master’s in Optometry and Visual Therapy (UPC and ACOTV). Board member of the Catalan Association of Optometry and Visual Therapy (ACOTV). Speaker at various courses and congresses. Lecturer in the Postgraduate Course “Facilitating Learning and Development in Childhood and Adolescence: Integrative Views” (UdG Foundation). Optometrist at the Revip Optometry Center in Girona and Chavarria Optics Optometrists in Figueres, where she focuses on diagnosing and treating visual disorders affecting development and posture, low vision, and auditory re-education.
Registration
To register for the master’s program, you must complete the registration form through the Foundation Universitat de Girona: Innovation and Training website.
Pre-registration: From June 1st until one month before the course starts. If you are interested in pre-registering, it is recommended to contact the master’s director, Joan Mangas, by email at jmangas@euses.cat.
Within a maximum of seven days from the registration date, a payment of €950 must be made, which will be deducted from the total tuition fee and ensures the reservation of your place.
Enrolment
For enrolment to be valid, the payment must be made no later than twenty days before the course begins.
Required documentation for enrolment:
4850 euros.
Bank Financing
Enrolled students can finance the payment of the tuition in installments.
The Foundation has established agreements with preferential conditions for its students with the following entities:
Financing through the University and Research Grants Management Agency (AGAUR)
With the aim of facilitating access to postgraduate studies, the University and Research Grants Management Agency (AGAUR) promotes this loan program.
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| Head of | ESCOLA SALUT I ESPORT, S.L. +info |
| Objectives | • Processing on-line requests • Profiling and sending newsletters +info |
| Rights | Access, rectify, delete and oppose, as well as other rights, as explained in “Additional information”. +info |
| Additional information | You can consult the additional information about Personal Data Processing on the back of this clause. +info |
