Mr. Abeed Hirji BScOT, BScKin

Availability

Accepting New Patients

Details

Abeed Hirji graduated from both Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia in 2004, with a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree, respectively. Abeed has also achieved his Competency Certification (Advanced) in Vestibular Rehabilitation from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA (2007) and Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC (2009); under the guidance of Dr. Susan Herdman and Dr. Richard Clendaniel and their esteemed vestibular competency faculty associates. Abeed’s curiosity and fascination for persons dealing with dizziness and balance issues stems from a couple of crucial conversations he had with colleagues in the early 2000’s. The first was with his lead neuropsychologist while working in a concussion clinic. It was at this time where he quickly began to understand that there was a gap in how we were addressing these symptoms, which at times could be very distressing for people. The second was with his then primary care physician (PCP). He was made aware from this PCP, that a common sentiment amongst the medical field was that the source of these symptoms was largely psycho-emotional. This didn’t sit well with Abeed and so his journey began into the world of vestibular medicine and rehabilitation. One of the first things he found out was that there were many, many, reasons why someone could be dizzy, but a significant percentage of dizziness was attributed to dysfunction within the vestibular system. Since these early discussions with his colleagues, Abeed has honed his skills in the assessment and treatment of patients with dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders, concussions, and other forms of traumatic brain injuries. His continued verve and passion for treating patients with these issues still exists now almost 20 years into his career. He is willing to accept challenges, question norms, and push boundaries for the betterment of his patients. He has been featured on local radio shows, has had articles published in various subscriptions, and has been fortunate to consult with a wide array of patients including members of the Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps FC organizations. Abeed is a committed, perpetual student who highly values continuing education and collaboration with his colleagues. He is constantly immersing himself in literature and lectures that benefit his patients. He is also a big believer in sharing knowledge and building intellectual capacities amongst his peers. He strives to translate and bridge information, thereby filling the knowledge gaps in the fields of Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion Care. This is proven by his track record of delivering over 100 presentations since 2006. He believes that continuing to share knowledge with others will hopefully lead to better solutions and outcomes for persons living with dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. To quote the late Dr. Charles Everett Koop, "No prescription is better than Knowledge."

Email

[email protected]

Website

https://www.lifemark.ca/therapists/abeed/hirji/371636

Locations

Specialty

Occupational Therapist

Certifications

APTA Certified Vestibular Therapist, Advances in Vestibular Rehabilitation Recertification, Concussion Assessment & Management, BrainPort Balance Device Training

Languages

Serving patients in these languages:

English

Telemedicine

Serving patients in these regions:

CA - British Columbia

Professional Association Membership

Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT)

Continuing Education Courses Taken

·         “The Many Facets of Bilateral Vestibulopathy” - Webinar (60 minutes). September 26, 2024. Presented by Nils Guinand; MD, PhD. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Neurology-Division of Neuro-Visual & Vestibular Disorders (NVV)
·         Vibration Induced Nystagmus Test - Webinar (90 minutes). July 31, 2024. Presented by Dr. Georges Dumas, MD, PhD. Vestibular First Journal Club
·         Getting back from chronic to episodic migraine – Webinar (70 minutes). June 27, 2024. Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Leroux. Migraine Canada
·         Integrating Psychology into Vestibular Rehab (Vestibular SIG Podcast, 36 mins). Presented by Joanna Wolfson, PhD, ABPP, and Emily Kostelnik, PhD. Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT). June 18, 2024
·         Migraine Diagnosis and Treatment – Webinar (60 minutes). April 15, 2024. Presented by Dr. Will Kingston. Migraine Canada
·         Life Rebalanced Live: A virtual vestibular conference – 10 hours. March 4 to 8, 2024. Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA). Expert interviews and patient panels (topics and speaker roster available upon request)
·         9th Biennial Vestibular and Balance Symposium. January 19-20, 2024. Barrow Neurological Institute; Phoenix, AZ. USA. The symposium in intended for all those interested in better understanding the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with gait imbalance, dizziness, and vestibular disorders. Full symposium booklet is available upon request.
·         Advocating for Vestibular Rehab (Vestibular SIG Podcast, 35 mins). Presented by Dr. Jacob McPherson, PT, DPT, PhD. Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT). December 5, 2023
·         Vestibular Migraine – Webinar (60 minutes). November 23, 2023. Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Leroux. Migraine Canada
·         Vestibular Differential in Cardiopulmonary diagnoses - Webinar (80 minutes). November 22, 2023. Presented by Dr. Danny Ludwig, PT, and Dr. Kerry Lammers, PT. Vestibular First Journal Club
·         Identifying Vestibular Loss in Head and Brain Trauma – Webinar (1.5 hours). October 23, 2023. Hearing & Balance Academy. Amy Lennox-Bow Ley; MAudA, BSc Hons, DipHE
·         Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Vestibular Disorders - Webinar (60 minutes). September 24, 2023. Presented by Emily Englert, Nutritionist; and Dr. Kathleen Stross, DPT, CHC, PhD. Vestibular Disorders Associations (VeDA) ICU Podcast Series
·         Eye Movements in Vestibular Pathology. September 12, 2023. Online course (2 hours). Presented by Vestibular First
·         Combined vestibular and cerebellar disease and the utility of VVOR and VORS– Webinar (85 mins). June 6, 2023. Hearing & Balance Academy. Presented by David Szmulewicz, MD., PhD, Neurologist, Neurotologist
·         Vestibular and Auditory Migraine Symptoms - Webinar (70 minutes). June 1, 2023. Presented by Dr. Jeffrey D. Sharon, MD. Vestibular First Journal Club
·         Meniere’s & Migraine Treatments - Webinar (60 minutes). May 23, 2023. Presented by Dr. Michael Teixido, MD; Jeff Walter PT, NCS; and Dr. Liz Fuemmeler, AuD. Vestibular Roundtable (VeDA)
·         Challenges with Persistent Dizziness - Webinar (60 minutes). April 19, 2023. Presented by Dr. Richard Clendaniel; PT, PhD. Vestibular First Journal Club
·         A History of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPP) - Webinar (60 minutes). April 13, 2023. Presented by Dr. David. S. Zee, MD. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Neurology-Division of Neuro-Visual & Vestibular Disorders (NVV)
·         3PD Treatment Strategies - Webinar (1 hour). April 9, 2023. 360 Neuro Go. Madison Oak; PT, DPT; with Bridgett Wallace; PT, DPT
·         Eye Movement Disorders and the Cerebellum - Webinar (70 minutes). March 28, 2023. Presented by Dr. David. S. Zee, MD. Vestibular First Journal Club
·         Dizziness in the acute care setting - Webinar (1 hour). January 23, 2023. 360 Neuro Health. Karen Recendez; PT, DPT; Kendal Reddell, PT, DPT, NCS
·         Technological Advances in Testing the Patient with Acute Vestibular Syndrome – Webinar (60 minutes). December 7, 2022. Hearing & Balance Academy. Dr. Tzu-Pu Chang, MD; Neurologist
·         The Gait Disorientation Test: A New Essential Tool for Vestibular Exam - Webinar (60 minutes). November 15, 2022. Presented by Colin Grove; PT, PhD. Vestibular First Journal Club
·         2nd International Conference for Vestibular Rehabilitation. October 15 - 17, 2022. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis; Minneapolis, MN. A cadre of internationally recognized leaders presented their cutting-edge research and its translation into practice as it applies to the diagnosis and management of persons with vestibular disorders. Full conference program is available upon request.
·         Bow Hunter Syndrome Mistaken as BPPV: A Cautionary Patient Case Report - Webinar (60 minutes). October 11, 2022. Presented by Dr. Michael Schubert; PT, PhD, FAPTA. Vestibular First Journal Club
·         Functional Movement Disorders: PT Assessment & Treatment (2-part webinar). Presented by Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, and Chelsea Richardson, PT, DPT, NCS. Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT). May 10 & 23, 2022.
·         Lifemark Vestibular Best Practice Session: Harnessing New Principles of Motor Learning for the VOR (1-hr virtual session). Presented by Michael C. Schubert, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA. May 17, 2022.
·         Life Rebalanced Live: A virtual vestibular conference – 10 hours. February 7 to 11, 2022. Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA). Expert interviews and patient panels (topics and speaker roster available upon request)
·         360 Neuro Health Summit: Clinical Pearls in Vision, Vestibular, and Concussion - Virtual (18 hrs). January 19 to 21, 2022. 360 Neuro Health. Multiple topics and speaker roster available upon request
·         Vestibular Toxicity - Webinar (60 minutes). January 18, 2022. Presented by Dr. Richard Gans; PhD. Vestibular First Journal Club

Percentage of Patients Treated for Vestibular Disorders

100%

Procedures and Tools

Bedside Head Impulse Test
Comprehensive Clinical Vestibular Exam
Dix Hallpike
Functional mobility and gait assessment
Oculomotor testing

Diagnoses Qualified to Manage

BPPV
Other peripheral vestibular disorders
Central vestibular disorders

Multidisciplinary

I work in, or have access to, a multidisciplinary team of vestibular specialists

Publications

From 2006 to present have authored or co-authored presentations to varying groups of people.

Licensing

Licensed by College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia, license number AD1570

Mr. Abeed Hirji BScOT, BScKin