We are pleased and excited to announce the first Paediatric Vestibular Assessment and Management Symposium in South Africa. Vestibular assessment and management is an area which has needed much of our attention both in clinical practice and in research space especially within paediatrics. Vestibular and balance disorders in children have far-reaching effects impacting on cognitive development, socio-emotional development and literacy (Martens et al., 2020; Melo et al., 2018; Rine & Wiener-Vacher, 2013). Therefore, the presence of vestibular and balance disorders in children requires healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable and competent in the assessment and management of these deficits.
The focus of the two-day symposium is around “Steadying the dizzy child” within the South African context. We have invited international faculty from the Malaysia and the United Kingdom as well as local faculty from the Kwazulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng. These are renowned practitioners who specialise in paediatric vestibular care who will share their knowledge and expertise. We invite attendees from all health science disciplines and extend an invitation to all healthcare professionals who are involved in the treatment and management of children with balance issues who wish to improve their skills. The symposium offers 6 CPD points and 1 Ethics point.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of Africa’s premier institutions of higher learning and will be the host of the Paediatric Vestibular and Management Symposium. Directions to the UKZN medical school can shared upon request.
By the end of this workshop, attendees will have:
Symposium Convenor: Dr. Sphilile Mbhele (Audiologist and Lecturer at UKZN)
Symposium Director: Dr Andile Sibiya
Organising Committee: Dr Ayanda Gina, Dr Jessica Paken, Dr Nozibingo Voxeka, Dr Musa Makhoba, Dr Warren Kuhn, Dr Lungile Setoaba
