The specificity of ENT diseases requires the involvement of specialized specialists for each individual case. Sometimes pathology requires the doctor to have knowledge of other medical areas, as in the case of an otoneurologist, or contacting a dacryologist - a doctor whose main specialty is ophthalmology.
Otoneurologist
Doctors in this area diagnose and treat pathologies of the inner ear. Otoneurology combines two important areas in medicine – otorhinolaryngology and neurology.
When should you contact an otoneurologist?
You need to make an appointment with a specialist if you have the following symptoms:
- Episodic or constant dizziness, noise, ringing in the ears.
- Headaches due to hearing impairment.
- Problems with coordination of movements, shaky and uncertain gait.
- Impaired hearing, taste, smell.
- Spontaneous movements of the eyeballs (nystagmus).
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious disease, not only of the inner ear, but also of the brain, so you should not delay visiting an otoneurologist.
What does an otoneurologist treat?
The doctor examines the patient to identify signs of vestibulopathy or other pathologies:
- Meniere's disease.
- Dizziness of various origins.
- Vestibular neuronitis, etc.
People most often turn to an otoneurologist with hearing impairment, vestibular impairment, and dizziness. Depending on the diagnosis, the patient may be prescribed:
- Conservative treatment.
- Manual therapy.
- Therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy, including hyperbaric oxygenation.
In some cases, when conservative treatment does not produce results and there is a threat to the life and health of the patient, surgical intervention is performed.
