Our recent vestibular event in London welcomed case managers from across the country as we explored vestibular disorders, the effects they have and the different rehabilitation methods available.
Bringing Balance to Case Management: An exploration of vestibular issues brought together six experts to discuss multidisciplinary management of vestibular disorders and how these problems can have a wider impact on people with brain injuries.
The aim of the event
The first of its kind held by BABICM, this event was designed to give case managers an understanding of how vestibular disorders are assessed and diagnosed. The current evidence was explored as a base for treatment and how disorders can be effectively managed.
Our expert panel gave case managers the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the different approaches that can be used when providing rehabilitation of vestibular disorders. This can include physical, pharmacological and psychological factors as well as sensory and social influences.
This allowed delegates to fully appreciate the role that a specialist MDT and key professionals play in the rehabilitation of vestibular disorders, with an understanding of how this could be applied to everyday case management.
Vestibular event speakers
Dr Sylvia Taylor-Goh, Consultant SLT and Research Director of Sensory Integration Education, chaired the event and was joined on the panel by five guest speakers, each offering different perspectives within their field of expertise. This gave case managers a great opportunity to gain insights and a greater understanding of vestibular rehabilitation. Our guest speakers consisted of:
- Dr Peter Savundra – Consultant Audiovestibular Physician, 150 Harley Street and Portland Hospital
- Owen Leigh – Lead Behavioural Optometrist, Owen Leigh Optometry
- Sally de la Fontaine – Physiotherapist and founder of Milestones
- Dr Diego Kaski – Associate Professor, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Centre for Vestibular and Behavioural Neurosciences
- Dr Tara Rado – Chartered Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Psychologia Ltd
- Dr JH Bourke – Consultant Neuropsychiatrist and Liaison Psychiatrist
What was discussed
Dr Savundra, who specialises in dizziness and balance issues, hearing and tinnitus, opened the conference with a discussion on how vestibular diagnosis could be confirmed, along with an explanation of the five levels of diagnostic formulation.
Owen Leigh, one of the most experienced Developmental/Behavioural Optometrists in the UK, followed, describing how the brain utilises multiple processes in order for the eyes to do their job. Owen also gave a detailed explanation of how brain injury affects the eyes and the need for visual rehab.
Physiotherapist Sally de la Fontaine took the reins for the third session, discussing postural control and gravity, the relationship between movement control and the senses, functional consequences of vestibular dysfunction and meaningful rehabilitation.
Dr Kaski opened the afternoon session with a talk on the coupling and uncoupling of pathology and perception. In a visual talk, Dr Kaski posed the question of whether Acute vertigo is central or peripheral, and discussed the algorithms used when diagnosing acute vestibular syndrome.
Our fifth speaker on the day was Dr Tara Rado, who discussed the intradisciplinary approach to vestibular disorders. Dr Rado approached the links between the vestibular system and cognition, focusing on the relationship between the person and the spatial environment, and the vestibular system and emotional regulation.
Dr JH Bourke took us into our final session of the afternoon, discussing the neuropsychiatry of chronic vestibular disorders, and explaining the different types of disorders that can be experienced. Dr Bourke also provided some interesting statistics on dizziness epidemiology.
Reactions to the event
The event was presented in front of a packed audience, and here’s what some of the attendees had to say:
“The different disciplines of the speakers ensured presentations educated about different aspects of AV and different treatment of it. This also meant that the content was not at all dry despite it being complex. Each of the speakers was knowledgeable and passionate about their work and all were approachable in their manner, encouraging CMs to submit more questions than is often seen at a similar conference” – Trina Hardiman, HeadFirst
“Since returning to my desk after the conference I already have started to use the information I gathered. I’ve had many conversations with colleagues, other delegates and professionals who have been impressed by the content of the day or curious to know if there will be more events like this – Jackie Waggott, Social Return
A more in-depth version of this article will be published in our December members newsletter. If you’re not yet a member, click here to view our membership page and learn how being a BABICM member can benefit you.