MVAR Training Videos
Military Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation (MVAR) was developed in 2010 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center/ Bethesda Naval Medical Center to provide essential training and education in assessment and rehabilitation techniques of individuals with complaints of dizziness. Since then, the program has expanded to Beginner and Advanced Regional training courses as well as MVAR-Local courses that can be tailored to the specific needs of the host site.
To augment training provided in these courses, the MVAR faculty has developed training videos to assist providers and patients with vestibular assessment and rehabilitation.
These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Vision Statement:
To be the preeminent inter-disciplinary, post-professional course for DoD/VA healthcare providers for the assessment and management of dizziness in the military and veteran population.
Mission Statement:
To provide evidence-based, inter-disciplinary education and training on dizziness management in order to standardize care and enhance readiness and provider capabilities, while decreasing costs and improving outcomes in the Military Health System.
Video Playlist:
Introduction to the MVAR Video Set: The Military Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation (MVAR) videos were developed to augment training from the MVAR course series. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Bedside Ocular Exam: Because the vestibular assessment relies on assessing eye movements, it is important to start with a brief screen of the eyes themselves. This section will cover tests of Ocular Range of Motion, Saccades, Pursuit and Vergence. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Bedside Vestibular Exam: This section addresses bedside tests of vestibular function. Tests include assessment of spontaneous and gaze evoked nystagmus, use of blocked vision, head impulse testing and post head shaking nystagmus test. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Advanced Vestibular Techniques: This section addresses less commonly used bedside tests of vestibular function. These tests may be added to the clinical exam to investigate function of the vertical canals. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Assessment and Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This section focuses on assessment and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Each test and treatment are demonstrated for left and right-side involvement. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Putting it all together: The Bedside Exam: These videos show a complete bedside exam combining ocular screen, vestibular screen and positional testing. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Functional Assessment of the Vestibular System: This section addresses functional measures of the vestibular system. The Dynamic Visual Acuity test is used to quantify the function of the vestibular ocular reflex. The Functional Gait Assessment is useful in assessing functional balance during ambulation. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Treating Vestibular Impairments: This section addresses common treatment strategies for vestibular dysfunction (not including BPPV – see BPPV section). Training will cover x1 viewing, x2 viewing, substitution exercises of imaginary targets and eyes first then head, as well as a review of habituation exercises. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.
Cervical Spine Exam : This section covers assessment techniques that may be useful when the cervical spine is thought to contribute to complaints of dizziness. These tools are not intended to replace training provided in the MVAR course series.