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Balance Disorders
You know the feeling, that awful sensation of being off balance,
spinning, whirling, and falling. You may experience nausea or vision
problems. Perhaps you have just begun to look for a physician or maybe
you have seen several. The sad truth is that even though dizziness is
the ninth most common problem that brings a patient to a physician,
generally its treatment is not taught in medical school. Even in
neurology and otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) residencies, it is
not extensively covered.
At the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute at JFK Medical Center, a team
of experts focuses on helping to diagnose and correct your balance
disorder. Our specialists are highly skilled in taking the necessary
steps to treat the most complex disorders. We have three physicians
(Drs. Kramer, Gizzi, and Rosenberg) who specialize in dizziness and
balance disorders. Their active research in
the area keeps them abreast of the latest advances.
The way we see it…
A patient suffering from dizziness commonly speaks of spinning,
whirling, floating, sinking, vision problems, tilting of themselves or
the world, being off balance or having a funny feeling in their head.
These are the patients who have what we call balance disorders.
Patients that feel as if they are going to pass out may have a balance
disorder, but should see a cardiologist before coming to see us. Inner
ear problems cause 85 percent of all balance disorders. The vestibule,
or central cavity, of the inner ear serves as your gyroscope. It is
key in maintaining your sense of balance. When the vestibule
malfunctions, you experience vertigo and other symptoms of being
off-balance.
There are many known causes of vestibular disorders. Among the most
common are head injuries, ear infections and viruses. High doses of
antibiotics or other drugs may also cause balance problems. Other
causes may be stroke, certain degenerative conditions of the central
nervous system or even psychological problems. And yet, some causes
remain a mystery.
The way we do it…
The New Jersey Neuroscience Institute at JFK Medical Center is a
resource to help you and your physician. Using a multidisciplinary approach, your
care will include a detailed physical history and complete
examination. Diagnoses and treatment begin with a complete examination
and assessment by a neurologist and physical therapist. Psychologists
will also evaluate the psychological impact of your symptoms.
For subsequent testing or surgery, you will be cared for by expert
audiologists, neurologists or skilled neurosurgeons.
State-of-the-art testing methods
Audiology tests: Hearing tests hold important clues to the diagnoses
of balance problems because the vestibular system is close to the hearing
apparatus. Brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) evaluate hearing
function as well as other parts of the nervous system that control
hearing. Electrococholeograpy (ECoG) can evaluate if you have
Meniere's disease.
Vestibular tests: Precise computerized measurement of eye movement
through electronystagmography (ENG) and rotary chair testing provides
vital information for assessing vestibular dysfunction.
Movement tests: Computerized Dynamic Posturography accurately records
how movement of the body affects balance.
These highly advanced testing techniques can detect an inner ear
disorder even if there are no symptoms on the day of your tests.
The way we make a difference...
Many balance disorders can be overcome with proper diagnosis and
treatment. In mild cases, symptoms have been known to subside on their
own as the inner ear heals or the nervous system learns to compensate
for
the disorder.
Even in persistent cases, some patients can be cured completely, while
others may find their symptoms can be controlled through the
individualized
treatment programs available at the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute.
Our complete range of treatment includes drug therapy and physical
therapy (vestibular rehabilitation), which is performed at the renowned JFK
Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.
In certain cases, surgery may be recommended and performed by our
expertly trained neurosurgical staff.
Balance Disorders Team
Phillip Donald Kramer, M.D.
Martin Gizzi, M.D., Ph.D.
Michael L. Rosenberg, M.D.