Certificate Course in Neuro-otology for Neurologists

Duration

4 Months

Dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, oscillopsia and falls constitute a significant proportion of neurological consultations. This advanced certificate course equips neurologists with cutting-edge competencies in neuro-otological clinical reasoning, bedside examination, vestibular investigation interpretation, and evidence-based management of vestibular and balance disorders through a structured hybrid learning experience.

Delivery Mode

Pre-recorded lectures posted weekly on a dedicated learning portal — learn at your own pace.
Mentored live online interactive discussions of 2–3 hours every week — faculty-led case discussions, Q&A, and vestibular sign interpretation.
Hands-on offline sessions — 2 days. Venue and dates will be intimated well in advance.

Programme Structure

Theory (Online)	80 hrs
Practical (Hands-on)	20 hrs
Total	100 hrs
Duration	4 Months

Eligibility & Overview

Eligible for: DM (Neurology) — NMC recognised
Also open to: DM Neurology Residents
Mode: Hybrid

Assessment

50 Theory MCQs
50 Skills & Interpretation
50% cumulative pass criteria

Certification Requirements

≥ 80% attendance in online sessions (mandatory for certification)
100% attendance in hands-on sessions (both days mandatory)
Formative assessment via online module-wise assignments/MCQs throughout the programme.
Certificate awarded by Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University).

Curriculum Highlights

Sl. No.	Module	Key Focus Areas
1	Vestibular Neuroanatomy & Systems Physiology	Semicircular canal & otolith transduction; vestibulo-ocular & vestibulo-spinal reflexes
2	Ocular Motor Network	Brainstem gaze centres; neural integrator; cerebellar ocular motor signatures
3	Nystagmus: Pattern Recognition & Localisation	Classification; peripheral vs central differentiation; head-shake & gaze-evoked nystagmus
4	Syndrome-Based Approach (AVS / EVS / CVS)	Acute, episodic & chronic vestibular syndromes; red flags; stroke protocol
5	Advanced Bedside Neuro-Otological Examination	Ocular motor exam; head impulse test; skew deviation; gait & stance assessment
6	Acute Vestibular Syndrome	HINTS Plus; AICA/PICA infarction; MRI DWI limitations; acute management
7	Positional Vertigo — BPPV	Dix–Hallpike; horizontal canal variants; multi-canal BPPV; canal-specific manoeuvres
8	Central Positional Vertigo & Central Vestibular Syndromes	Downbeat nystagmus; MS & demyelination; cerebellar degenerations
9	Episodic Vestibular Disorders	Vestibular migraine; Ménière's disease; vestibular paroxysmia; TIA risk stratification
10	Chronic Dizziness, PPPD & Functional Overlays	PPPD criteria; visual dependence; DHI/VSS scales; multimodal treatment
11	Bilateral Vestibulopathy & Neurodegenerative Balance Disorders	CANVAS; ototoxicity; cerebellar ataxia differentiation; fall prevention
12	Vestibular Rehabilitation for Neurologists	Adaptation, habituation, substitution; rehab in stroke, PD, cerebellar degeneration

Hands-on Offline Training (2 Days)

Day	Training
Day 1 — Clinical Skills (10 hrs)	Clinical neuro-otological examination Positional tests and manoeuvres HINTS Plus Standardised documentation
Day 2 — Instrumental & Rehab (10 hrs)	VNG / COG, stabilometry, CCG fHIT and vHIT interpretation Rehabilitation planning sessions Case-based management workshops

Venue and dates for hands-on sessions will be intimated well in advance. 100% attendance is mandatory for certification.

Faculty

Name	Dr Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam
Designation	Course Co-ordinator
Position	Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology
Institution	Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore
Email	[email protected]