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Health and Wellness
3322 Route 22 West, Suite 1207-1208, Branchburg, NJ 08876 908-218-0300 908-218-0301 (fax) www.branchburgoralsurgery.com We Accept Most Major PPO Dental Plans Karl Maloney, D.D.S. Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Wisdom Teeth Dental Implants Bone Grafting General Anesthesia 3D Cone Beam CT Jaw Surgery Oral Pathology Facial Trauma VERTIGO By: Todd A. Schneiderman, M.D. F.A.C.S. Dizziness is a disturbing prob- lem and occurs very frequent- ly throughout the population, regardless of age, sex, or health status. There are many different types of dizziness, and some of these originate in the inner ear. Vertigo is a term specifying dizziness from the inner ear and vestibular system. Other types of imbal- ance may come from circula- tory system disorders, and these may present as light- headedness rather than a spinning sensation. The maintenance of balance involves many different sub- systems of the nervous sys- tem, including the visual system, vestibular system and proprioception, which involves the ability to sense the envi- ronment by touch. There are different types of dizziness of vestibular system or inner ear origin. These range from vestibular neu- ronitis and benign vertigo to Ménière’s disease. A good his- tory and physical exam is often all that’s needed to determine the source of the imbalance. Questions about the nature of the symptoms, the duration of the symp- toms, and trigger factors for the sensation of instability are particularly helpful. Although the cause of dizzi- ness is sometimes diagnosed in a straightforward fashion, sometimes testing is required. This could include a hearing test, specialized balance test- ing (ENG or VNG) and some- times imaging such as an MRI with contrast. Options for treatment may include medication and bal- ance exercises. Vestibular rehabilitation, a form of physical therapy, may be considered to enhance the process of regaining balance. Epley maneuver’s are some- times very helpful with benign vertigo. Consultations with physi- cians from other specialties including neurology, ophthal- mology and cardiology may be beneficial. Aggressive treatment of dizzi- ness is very important, as instability may lead to falls and possible significant injury. For more information regard- ing vertigo, please contact us for a consultation. www.drschneiderman.com 215 Union Avenue, Suite C Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908-725-5050 www.theconnectionsnj.com