Dr. Whitman answers: What doctors are typically on the team to treat dizziness? Dizziness is one of the most common medical problems. Therefore, many people with dizziness are treated first by specialists in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Emergency Medicine. This is usually a good idea, as many causes of dizziness are related to general medicine, such as anemia and heart disease. The first step in getting good care for dizzy patients is to distinguish between the group of patients who primarily have gait and balance problems, and those who have other types of dizziness such as vertigo or lightheadedness. Most physicians with advanced training in and/or a special interest in dizziness are specialists in Otolaryngology or “Ear Nose and Throat (ENT).” Some otolaryngologists limit their practice to ear disease and ear surgery and are called “otologists.” An even smaller group takes advanced training in Neurotology, a branch of Otolaryngology focusing on the surgical management of certain types of skull base tumors. Neurology is a non-surgical specialty focusing on the nervous system, including but not limited to the brain, nerves, and sensory organs, including those of the inner ear. In recent years, a handful of neurologists have obtained advanced training in the treatment of dizziness and balance disorders, including disorders of the inner ear. Some institutions call this neurology subspecialty Otoneurology. Subspecialists in Otoneurology have an excellent understanding of inner ear disorders, especially those that cause dizziness. In addition, otoneurologists have a comprehensive understanding of nervous system diseases, many of which can cause dizziness or impact balance. Most otoneurologists work closely with Otolaryngology, Otology and Neurotology colleagues. Clinical collaboration between an otoneurologist and an otologist or neurotologist often yields the highest quality subspecialty care possible for people with dizziness. Dr. Whitman is a board certified neurologist with 15 years of experience as an otoneurologist. An otoneurologist is a neurologist who specializes in vestibular disorders and other causes of dizziness and loss of balance. The vestibular system includes the inner ear balance systems and their connections in the brain. He is at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. talkabouthealth/what-doctors-are-typically-on-the-team-to-treat-dizziness
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 02:00:00 +0000
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