Dr Amol Anand, ST3 Audiovestibular Medicine, Whittington Health NHS Trust, Dr Sandarva Giri, ST3 Audiovestibular Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), Manchester
British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians (BAAP) held its mid-year symposium virtually, attracting a global audience of audiovestibular and neurology professionals. Organised by Professor Soumit Dasgupta, Chair of the BAAP Education Committee, the half-day event focused on the complex interface between neurology and neurotology, specifically addressing neurodegenerative disorders and their impact on balance. The symposium was accredited with four Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points by the Royal College of Physicians, UK, and provided a comprehensive, practical programme for both trainees and consultants.
The symposium opened with Professor Alexander Tarnutzer, Consultant Neurologist from the Cantonal Hospital Baden in Switzerland, who provided a thorough overview of neurodegenerative conditions affecting balance. He discussed the ways these disorders disrupt afferent, central, and efferent nervous pathways, offering unique insights into vestibulopathy related to neurodegenerative diseases.
Professor Abhijit Das, Consultant Neurologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in Preston, UK, continued with an exploration of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) and functional neurological disorders. He explained the biopsychosocial model underlying PPPD, which incorporates cognitive and environmental triggers, and emphasised the importance of personalised, tailored management strategies. His case-based discussion sparked a stimulating dialogue on practical approaches to diagnosing and managing PPPD.
Next, Professor Dario Yacovino, Consultant Neurologist from Cesar Milstein Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, presented a structured approach to cerebellar ataxias, discussing factors like hereditary background, age of onset, and diagnostic imaging. His session illustrated the relationship between cerebellar conditions and eye movement abnormalities, using case studies to effectively highlight key diagnostic points.
Shifting to paediatric concerns, Dr Stefan Spinty, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, UK, presented case-based insights on balance issues in children with neurological disorders. He underscored the need for individualised diagnostic approaches and highlighted the importance of tailoring the investigation battery to each child's unique clinical presentation.
To conclude the symposium, Professor Soumit Dasgupta, Consultant Audiovestibular Physician and Neuro-otologist at Alder Hey, gave an engaging session on abnormal eye movements. He used video demonstrations to showcase various oculomotor signs related to central neurological disorders, providing clinicians with practical tools for recognising and diagnosing these signs in clinical practice.
The symposium was well-received, fostering lively discussions throughout the sessions and underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing balance disorders related to neurodegenerative conditions. Attendees praised the programme for its practical, engaging content, with many finding the insights immediately applicable to their clinical work.
Future event: Annual Conference of British Association of Audiovestibular Medicine (BAAP)
20-21st March 2025
