Mixed Deck — All CVT Topics Flashcards

VOR gain is defined as:

Answer: The ratio of eye velocity to head velocity

VOR gain is calculated as eye velocity divided by head velocity; a normal gain is approximately 1.0, meaning eye velocity closely matches head velocity.

Why is patient history critical in diagnosing vestibular disorders?

Answer: To identify patterns in vertigo and dizziness

A thorough patient history is paramount in diagnosing vestibular disorders because symptoms like vertigo and dizziness can be vague and have numerous causes. Eliciting details about the onset, duration, triggers, associated symptoms (e.g., hearing loss, nausea), and the specific quality of dizziness helps clinicians identify characteristic patterns. This information guides the differential diagnosis and subsequent physical examination, significantly narrowing down potential conditions.

A therapist prescribes VOR x2 exercises. How does this differ mechanically from VOR x1?

Answer: The target moves in the same direction as the head at double speed

In VOR x2, the target moves in the same direction as the head, requiring the VOR to generate twice the normal gain to maintain stable gaze.

How should a CVT professional handle a situation where evidence-based practice & research methods protocols conflict with practical constraints?

Answer: Document the conflict and seek guidance from appropriate authorities

When protocols conflict with practical constraints, the professional approach is to document the conflict and seek guidance, ensuring transparency and compliance while working toward a resolution.

In BPPV of the posterior canal, the Dix-Hallpike maneuver typically elicits nystagmus that is:

Answer: Torsional-upbeat, geotropic, and fatigable

Posterior canal BPPV produces torsional-upbeat (geotropic top pole beating toward affected ear) nystagmus that is fatigable with repeated testing due to canalith repositioning.

A patient with acute unilateral vestibular neuritis reports sudden worsening of vertigo when lying flat. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Reassess for central nervous system pathology before continuing treatment

Sudden worsening of vertigo in a patient with presumed peripheral vestibular disorder warrants reassessment for central pathology such as cerebellar stroke before proceeding.

The Fukuda stepping test assesses which vestibular function?

Answer: Asymmetry of vestibulo-spinal reflexes by measuring body rotation during stepping in place with eyes closed

The Fukuda stepping test detects vestibulo-spinal asymmetry; patients with unilateral hypofunction rotate toward the lesion side when stepping in place blindfolded.

A patient reports worsening symptoms when walking through a busy grocery store. Which rehabilitation approach BEST addresses this visual motion sensitivity?

Answer: Optokinetic stimulation exercises with progressively complex visual environments

Optokinetic exercises expose patients to moving visual fields to desensitize the CNS to visual-vestibular conflict, directly targeting supermarket-type environments.

Which of the following best describes the function of gaze stabilization exercises (GSE)?

Answer: To enhance VOR adaptation through repeated head movements with visual targets

Gaze stabilization exercises promote VOR adaptation by repeatedly exposing the patient to head movements while maintaining focus on a visual target, creating a retinal slip signal that drives recalibration.

The ocular tilt reaction (OTR) seen with a unilateral otolith or vestibular nucleus lesion includes which combination of signs?

Answer: Ipsilesional head tilt, skew deviation, and ocular counter-rolling toward the lesion

A unilateral peripheral OTR includes ipsilesional head tilt, skew deviation (lower eye ipsilesional), and ocular counter-rolling with the top pole of the eyes rotating toward the lesion.

In Certified Vestibular Therapist, what role does evidence-based practice & research methods play in ensuring client/stakeholder satisfaction?

Answer: It builds trust through demonstrated competence and consistency

Evidence-Based Practice & Research Methods builds trust through demonstrated competence and consistency, which directly contributes to stakeholder satisfaction and confidence in the CVT professional.

Which quality improvement method is most applicable to evidence-based practice & research methods in Certified Vestibular Therapist?

Answer: Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) continuous improvement cycle

The PDCA cycle is widely recognized as the most effective quality improvement method, allowing CVT professionals to systematically improve evidence-based practice & research methods practices.

Which of the following best describes a key competency required for quality assurance & performance improvement in CVT certification?

Answer: Critical thinking and evidence-based decision making

Critical thinking and evidence-based decision making is essential for quality assurance & performance improvement, as professionals must analyze situations and apply knowledge appropriately.

What is the primary purpose of evidence-based practice & research methods in the context of Certified Vestibular Therapist?

Answer: To ensure consistent quality and professional accountability

Evidence-Based Practice & Research Methods in Certified Vestibular Therapist primarily ensures consistent quality and professional accountability, forming the foundation of competent practice in this field.

During fixation suppression of the VOR (VVOR), failure to suppress the VOR suggests:

Answer: Cerebellar or central nervous system pathology

The cerebellum mediates VOR suppression during fixation; failure to suppress the VOR during VVOR testing is a sign of cerebellar or CNS pathology.

What symptom often distinguishes peripheral from central vestibular disorders?

Answer: Auditory symptoms such as hearing loss

Peripheral vestibular disorders originate in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which are anatomically close to the cochlea (the hearing organ). Therefore, symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or aural fullness often accompany peripheral vestibular issues, such as Ménière's disease or labyrinthitis. Central vestibular disorders, affecting the brain, typically do not present with these auditory symptoms.

Which finding on video head impulse testing (vHIT) is MOST consistent with superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD)?

Answer: Normal VOR gain without corrective saccades

SSCD typically shows normal or even elevated VOR gain on vHIT because the dehiscence creates a third mobile window rather than reducing canal sensitivity.

During the modified HINTS exam (Head Impulse, Nystagmus, Test of Skew), which combination is most reassuring for a BENIGN peripheral cause of acute vestibular syndrome?

Answer: Abnormal head impulse, unidirectional nystagmus, no skew deviation

In peripheral vestibular neuritis, the head impulse test is abnormal (catch-up saccade), nystagmus is unidirectional and suppressed by fixation, and skew deviation is absent.

Which outcome measure is specifically designed to assess dizziness-related functional disability and quality of life?

Answer: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)

The DHI is a 25-item self-report questionnaire measuring the physical, emotional, and functional impact of dizziness on a patient's daily life.

The crista ampullaris within each semicircular canal is embedded in a gelatinous structure called the:

Answer: Cupula

The cupula is the gelatinous flap that spans the ampulla and moves in response to endolymph flow, deflecting the hair cell stereocilia of the crista ampullaris.