The two main problems of the dizziness & balance (vestibular) system that arise most often are:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Postional Vertigo - The condition of the inner ear is associated with a spinning sensation or feeling of motion, especially when rolling over in bed or bending down/standing up. It occurs when Calcium crystals (called otoconia/otoliths) become dislodged and float within the canals of the vestibular system (semi-circular canals). This can happen from elevated age, high fever, a virus, car accident, a strong head jolt, or other reasons.

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2. Vestibular Weakness/Imbalance – This condition of the inner ear involves a problem with loss of balance, unsteadiness, or loss of surefootedness. Falling is a serious concern with this problem also. The problem can be on one or both sides. There is generally no dizziness or motion tolerance with it. It is generally from ototoxicity, elevated age, a virus, vestibulopathy, or unknown cause.

A third, rare inner ear problem is:

3. Meniere’s Disease – This condition involves bouts of dizziness that occur for no apparent reason, lasting from minutes to hours, and is associated with a fluctuating hearing loss. It involves a fluid imbalance in the vestibular system.

What We Do:

1. Evaluation – Dr. Katz first takes a thorough history of your individual circumstances and symptoms and evaluates the patient in his office. A detailed questionnaire, filled out by the patient, assists in this process.
Next, a thorough diagnostic testing battery (taking 1.5-2hrs.) is performed by our licensed Audiologist, to determine the exact location of the problem and eliminate other complicating variables.
The test battery includes: a test of middle ear function (Tympanometry), outer hair cell function (OAE), hearing (Audiometry), tone or acoustic reflex decay, specific vestibular testing (ENG), & neural studies of the auditory pathway (ABR and ECOG).

2. Diagnosis – Next, Dr. Katz explains the test results and their significance with the
Patient. He then discussed the treatment options to correspond with the findings, and makes specific recommendations to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

3. Treatment – Treatment is then performed in our main office in Boca Raton, or in our satellite office in Pompano Beach.
Treatment varies, depending on the patient’s diagnosis. A common treatment for BPPV (or vertigo) has an 80-85% elimination rate of symptoms when performed once. This is done with one simple maneuver called the canalith repositioning maneuver.
With other diagnoses, vestibular rehabilitation therapy is the recommended form of effective treatment. This is performed in our office by our dually-certified, nurse/vestibular therapist.
Therapy involves retraining the brain to use and strengthen the sensory organs, balance system, and visual involvement to compensate for a weakness or imbalance in the vestibular system. This form of therapy has grown dramatically in importance and effectiveness over the last several years.
For patients with hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended to assist in communication or help minimize or alleviate tinnitus (ringing in the ears or head). They can be fitted in our office.

There is treatment for dizziness!!