Tech support vital to diagnose vestibular disorders

CLINICAL WORKSHOP IN SALALAH: 32 hands-on working stations being used as effective tools for training

Medical professionals from varying fields took note of the vestibular disorders, their symptoms, prevention and cure at one of the largest hands-on clinical workshops held in the region at Rotana Salalah Resort on Monday.

The experts assessed the vestibular problems, which occur somewhere in the inner ear and brain, and affect body balance. They also called for earliest possible proper medical intervention to diagnose if there is any damage to the vestibular system by disease, aging, or injury, which could cause body imbalance, problem in eye movement, vertigo and dizziness among others.

The experts drawn from 17 countries including Europe, South East Asia, Asia, Middle East and America, were impressed to see the high standards of a hands on medical training workshop equipped with 32 hands on working stations.

The event organisers Super Quality Hearing Aid and Speech Therapy Center and American Institute of Balance, highlighted the importance of the work stations, which according to their representatives, were crucial for hands-on training and used mainly for vestibular assessment and management.

Vikrant Malik, audiologist and speech pathologist, called the threeday event significant for Oman and the region due to display of the latest technology for vestibular assessment and management.

“We value our association with the American Institute of Balance due to their expertise in handling vestibular cases as they are the pioneers in medical education and addressing vestibular problems. The scale at which the workshop is being organised is very high and holds importance for Oman and the region,” he said.

This Vestibular Assessment and Management International Certification Workshop, according to him, is aimed at upholding the custom of a united front with a multiprofessional team and improved client oriented care.

For the participants’ understanding, the work stations fitted with virtual reality technology would take them to the environment in which they can find reasons for sea sickness, dizziness and even different types of phobia.

“Renowned course directors Dr Richard Gans, PHD, Prof Alfarghal Mohamad, MD, AUD, Dr Steven Spinks, Tamim Ahmed al Ali, Danah Mohammed Alyahya and Dr Walid Omer are leading the educational and informative practical training, which would be a hallmark moment for broadening the scope of vestibular rehabilitation and interdisciplinary training,” Malik said.

Dr Richard Gans, founder and CEO of the American Institute of Balance is gracing the occasion as one of the key speakers.

He is known for his tireless contributions in in this most intriguing area of medical care.