The Balance Disorders Clinic at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders. The clinic is also dedicated to research, which helps improve our understanding of these disorders and helps lead to better treatments. It is a unique clinic, being one of about only a dozen nationwide.
Balance disorders, including dizziness, are very common. They affect about 20 percent of the general population. This increases sharply in the aging population, as high as 30 percent. Though prevalent, dizzy patients often are not diagnosed or treated adequately. This is because few doctors specialize in dizziness. The UI Balance Disorders Clinic is one of few such clinics. It is staffed by specialized physicians, from the Otolaryngology and Neurology departments, who are known as neuro-otologists. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of patients with all forms of dizziness or unsteadiness in walking.
The initial evaluation takes about one and a half hours and consists of an interview with a neuro-otologist. This consists of a careful discussion of your symptoms, past history, as well as a thorough neuro-otological physical exam. This interview also includes a review of old medical records/films that you may have brought. The neuro-otologist will then discuss with you and your family any tests that might be needed.
Frequently, a test called an ENG is required. This is a comprehensive battery of tests that evaluates inner ear balance function, the brain balance centers, and body stability. The tests may be done the same day or on a future day as needed. The ENG takes 90 minutes. The ENG may be done before or after you see the neuro-otologist. You may also get a hearing test (audiogram). Following the evaluations, you and your family, as well as your doctor(s), will be informed of the results of the findings, and the plan for management.
Treatment of dizziness/balance disorders often includes removing medications that impair balance function. Occasionally it also involves adding another medication. Moreover, the treatment consists of doing vestibular (balance) exercises. Patients who need this are referred to a physical therapist who is specialized in balance/dizziness disorders. Once taught, the patient will need to perform the balance exercises daily at home for at least 2 months.
Although the field of neuro-otology is relatively new, it is already helping a large number of patients with dizziness/balance disorders who do not need to live with this condition for the rest of their lives.
To refer a patient with a vestibular disorder, please call UI Consult at 1-800-322-8442 and ask for Deema Fattal, MD The direct number for scheduling is 319-356-2571, then press 3.
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Contact Us:
To refer a patient with a vestibular disorder, please call UI Consult at 1-800-322-8442 and ask for Deema Fattal, MD The direct number for scheduling is 319-356-2571, then press 3. |
