Equilibrium subcommittee: Controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of dizziness

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery 2004-08, Vol.131 (2), p.P88-P88
• Main Authors: Hotter, Michael E, White, Judith A, Battista, Robert A, Goebel, Joel A, Horlbeck, Drew M, Cass, Stephen P, Balough, Ben J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0194-5998; 1097-6817
• DOI: 10.1016/j.otohns.2004.06.031

Vestibular disorders are becoming an increasingly more common medical problem. As society ages and modern entertainment and recreational activities progress the impact of dizziness on the population is become even more significant. Dizziness not only interferes with the performance of daily activities, but it also represents a serious health problem. Over the last several years, many new diagnostic and treatment modalities have been developed to help manage the dizzy patient. Otolaryngologists occupy a prime position in the treatment algorithm. Otolaryngologists are capable of diagnosing disorders of balance, prescribing medical therapy, performing surgical procedures, or directing the patient to the appropriate rehabilitation regimen. As with any field the development of new diagnostic and treatment procedures has been accompanied by controversies. Over the past several years, the equilibrium committee of the academy has been charged with examining these controversies. This symposium will present some of the controversies in the management of the dizzy patient. After the presenters discuss each issue, there will be an opportunity for audience participation. The controversies to be discussed include: the use of vestibular test apparatus in diagnosing the dizzy patient; the role of vestibular rehabilitation therapy in managing the dizzy patient; the role of medicines in treating patients with a variety of vestibular disorders Meniere’s disease; and what to do next when conservative medical therapy fails.