An otoneurologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders of the inner ear and the central nervous system that can affect both hearing and balance.
What is otoneurology
Otoneurology is a medical subspecialty focused on investigating the causes of dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss, ear noises or tinnitus, as well as problems related to the ear and vestibular system.
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and plays a fundamental role in controlling balance and spatial orientation. Therefore, any alteration in this system can cause symptoms such as imbalance or dizziness. These problems may be associated with a condition affecting the ear or the nervous system, which is why otoneurology or neurotology combines knowledge from otolaryngology and neurology, allowing for appropriate treatment of these disorders.
Otoneurological tests
To properly evaluate inner ear and balance disorders, otoneurologists use a variety of specialized tests to identify the origin of the disorder.
The most common otoneurological studies include:
- Audiometry: evaluates the patient’s hearing ability and determines whether hearing loss is present.
- Electronystagmography: measures abnormal eye movements that may be related to balance. The vestibular system is connected to the eye muscles, and problems in the inner ear can cause involuntary eye movements known as nystagmus.
- Videonystagmography: similar to electronystagmography but provides a more detailed view of vestibular function.
- Caloric test: air or water at different temperatures is introduced into the ear to stimulate the vestibular system; the resulting eye movements help determine proper vestibular function.
- Posturography: evaluates the patient’s balance when exposed to different situations that challenge stability.
- Magnetic resonance imaging: helps rule out neurological issues such as multiple sclerosis or tumors.
- Vestibular function tests: a set of tests designed to evaluate vestibular performance in dynamic conditions.
These tests aid in diagnosing a wide variety of conditions affecting hearing and balance, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common cause of vertigo due to displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear. Other conditions include Ménière’s disease, characterized by recurrent vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, and vestibular neuritis, which causes severe vertigo due to inflammation of the vestibular nerve.
Why do I feel dizzy?
A frequent question patients ask an otoneurologist is: “Why do I feel dizzy?”
Although dizziness is a common reason to seek this specialist, the term is broadly used to describe very different sensations. Therefore, the specialist needs to make an accurate diagnosis to identify the underlying cause.
Common causes of “dizziness” include:
- Vertigo: a spinning sensation, as if the surroundings were moving.
- Nonspecific dizziness: described as a feeling of unsteadiness that is not vertigo and does not resemble faintness; it may be related to anxiety, stress, or imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.
- Orthostatic hypotension: a drop in blood pressure upon standing up, which may cause dizziness or fainting.
- Neurological problems: such as vestibular migraines, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors.
- Ear infections: infections of the middle or inner ear may cause dizziness or vertigo, especially when the vestibular system is involved.
- Medications: some medications, such as sedatives or aminoglycoside antibiotics, may have side effects that affect balance.
Proper treatment depends on first identifying the underlying cause of the condition. That’s why otoneurology plays a crucial role in the assessment and management of balance and ear disorders. If you experience any issues related to these areas, consider visiting an audiology and otoneurology clinic.
Otoneurologist near me
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurophysiology Clinic, we have a team of highly trained otoneurology specialists dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your otoneurological needs.
Our otoneurologists in Mexico City are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and advanced treatments to manage conditions such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, sudden hearing loss, and more.
Fuentes:
MedlinePlus, MSD Manuals, UI Health
