What is neurotology?
neurotology is a type of specialized medicine that studies and treats neurological disorders that affect the ears and other head structures. Neurotologists are otolaryngologists, commonly referred to as "ear, nasal and cervical physicians" who specialize in the effects of the brain and nervous system on the ears, face and neck. The conditions treated with a specialty include hearing loss, problems with balance and paralysis of the face.
those who want to specialize in neurotology usually participate in the premedic program, or build a university degree in biology and then become an otolaryngologist at the Faculty of Medicine. As soon as he has completed medical training, he spends another two to three years of studying neurology. In many cases, they are obliged to write extensive research work in their field before they become certified. It may take up to 15 years to complete all requirements to become neurotologists.
While hearing loss can have many external causes, including excessive exposure to very loud sounds and physicsThe ears structure damage may also be caused by the conditions of the brain or the nervous system. For example, damage to the temporary lobe of the brain or nerves that carry sound signals can have a significant impact on hearing. Damage can also work the opposite, even slight hearing loss at an early age adversely affects the development of parts of the brain responsible for auditory processes. Neurotological specialists are trained to recognize brain and nervous system disorders that can lead to hearing loss.
vertigo or dizziness often accompanied by a sense of balance, is usually caused by a disorder of inner ear. Vertigo can have many potential causes from bacterial infection to head injury. In some cases, the symptom is caused by the vestibular nerve inflammation or a tumor against Tnener responsible for the transmission of acoustics. A doctor specializing in neurotology can diagnose these causes and decide on the best treatment options for patient treatment.
In addition to the treatment of neurologicalEar disorders are also treated by specialists in neurotology also conditions caused by nerve damage in the face. Such damage can lead to numerous different disorders, from temporary partial paralysis to permanent complete paralysis of the face. One of the most common conditions is Bell's palsy, a temporary disorder that results from swelling or damage to the facial nerve responsible for passing signals that allow movement in the face muscles.
neurotological specialists can also treat damage to the skull base caused by tumors or nerve damage. Since many neurotologists are trained in surgery related to their specialty, in many cases the patient can see the same diagnostic phase to any surgery that may need to be performed. In addition, because neurotologists start their career by becoming trained doctors of the ear, nose and neck, patients can also use their services for conditions that are not related to neurological disorders.