09-12, 14:00–14:30 (Europe/Istanbul), Equilibirium 3
This session will explore essential differences in vestibular rehabilitation strategies tailored to the underlying etiology of bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Disorders such as CANVAS, Cogan’s syndrome, and ototoxicity present with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms that impact compensatory potential and require individualized rehabilitation protocols. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes.
At the heart of managing bilateral vestibular areflexia lies the challenge of tailoring therapy to the patient’s remaining functional potential. During this session, participants will recognize the key clinical features that differentiate areflexia from hyporeflexia and will analyze how each underlying etiology—whether it be CANVAS, Cogan’s syndrome, or ototoxicity—demands a specific rehabilitative mindset. They will compare central and peripheral patterns of compensation and interpret how cerebellar involvement or sensory substitution influences recovery.
Structure of the Session:
Brief review of vestibular physiology and compensation mechanisms
Case-based comparison of Cogan, CANVAS, and ototoxicity profiles
Presentation of customized rehabilitation protocols
Ioana Voda is a primary ENT doctor, who graduated from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, she finished her doctorate ( Posttraumatic perforations of tymanic membrane – attitude and management ) in 2000 at the University of Medicine Iasi, having postdoctoral studies DIU in Neuro- otology and vestibular rehabilitation- Paris- France, Pierre Marie Curie University, 2015. She has been the owner and medical director of Clinica Nova ENT Explorations in Bucharest and Cluj since 2007. President of the Romanian Vertigo, Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Society – since 2024, with multiple participations in various congresses and conferences, and chapters in Romanian Neurology books.