Dizziness

The Center also has an integrated approach to the treatment of dizziness. Good equilibrium is based on the brains ability to integrate stimulus from the ears, eyes, neck position receptors and sensation from the extremities. Any minor changes may result in serious misinformation being transmitted to our brain. Dizziness may arise from a disorder of the internal ear (vestibular dizziness), abnormal sensation from the feet or legs (propioceptive dizziness), alteration of vision (ocular dizziness), wrong information from neck receptors (cervicogenic dizziness). Other times, the integration in the brain stem may fail due to poor circulation, low-blood pressure, low blood sugar, hyperventilation, severe anxiety or drugs including alcohol (disequilibrium/ near fainting syndrome).

The mechanisms of dizziness need to be thoroughly evaluated because it can be caused by many things. A clear understanding of this condition is essential to its proper management and treatment.

The evaluation includes a neurological examination and advanced testing of equilibrium through a diagnostic test called an electronystagmogram (ENG). Specialized training for dizziness is provided. This training enhances the coordination and finely tunes the integration in the brain. The NeuroCenter has extensive experience in the treatment of this condition using techniques that have been refined over the past 20 years.

Vertigo

Vertigo is an illusion of movement in which the “external world seems to revolve around the individual or in which the individual seems to revolve in space.”

The presence of vertigo indicates an abnormality in the vestibular apparatus of the internal ear or its connection to the brain . Vertigo can be associated with hearing loss and/or ringing in the ear (tinnitus). It may affect both ears and cause deafness.

From the above discussion, it is obvious that dizziness and vertigo are complex symptoms that require careful neurological evaluation. A very important part of this evaluation is the ENG. The electronystagmogram (ENG) is to the dizziness and vertigo, what the electrocardiogram (EKG) is to the heart. Audiometry, MRI of brain and other neurophysiological tests may be needed.

"Pain is real. A person who reports having pain must be taken seriously. Persistent pain can cause anxiety depression, hostility, irritability, fatigue social withdrawal, and loss of productivity. Many times people are told, 'We can’t find anything wrong’ or ‘You are imagining the pain.’ “Such statements serve only to make the pain worse. We want to understand the person as whole and determine the impact pain has had upon that person’s total life. Our goal is to return every patient to meaningful daily function."

Dr. Jose L. Medina,
M.D., F.A.C.P.

Meet the Doctor

“ From the first visit and beyond, Dr. Medina listened intently and with care. He read all of the previous test results and he has never stated to me, ever, that “it was in my head” and not real. He is extremely knowledgeable about every test in relation to your illness, whether it affirms or negates your illness. He doesn’t have you take unnecessary tests. Dr. Medina has been my godsend. He knew not to rush the strength of my pain medication. Yes, I am so much better as a person and patient for seeing and knowing this man. If anyone comes to me or to someone in my family looking for a doctor, I always tell refer them to Dr. Medina at the NeuroCenter. This doctor has save my life several times. I shudder to think what my life would have been without him. I thank God for him.”.

L. Rooney