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Neuro-Otology Program

At a Glance: Our Neuro-Otology Program

A surprising statistic: More than 4 in 10 Americans will experience episodic imbalance at some point in their lives. This number alone underscores the far-reaching and meaningful work our Neuro-Otology Program shoulders.

One of less than 20 programs of its kind in the U.S. and a National Ataxia Foundation Center of Excellence, our Neuro-Otology and Balance Disorders Program evaluates conditions that affect equilibrium and balance, as well as conditions that cause vertigo, nystagmus, dizziness, unexplained fainting, and falling.

Because these conditions can have a myriad of root causes, it’s not uncommon for our patients to have been seen by several specialists before they’re referred to us. At Barrow, we accept referrals from all over the country—including neurologists, otolaryngologists, surgical neurotologists, otologists, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and primary care physicians.

For more information about our Neuro-Otology Program Program or to make an appointment, please give us a call at (602) 406-6262.

neuro-otologist terry fife examines a patient
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The Barrow Difference

Since 1994, our program has offered the most comprehensive team of balance disorder specialists in Arizona. We are one of the only medical centers in the state that offers subspecialized care for people with dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders.

doctor analyzing brain scans on a digital tablet

Our team of experts include:

  • Audiologist
  • Fellowship-Trained Neuro-Otologist
  • Internationally Recognized Fellowship-Trained Otoneurologists
  • Otoneurology Fellow
  • Support Staff
  • Surgical Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist
  • Vestibular and Balance Training Physical Therapists
  • Social Workers
visual inspection machine for myopia patients

Expertise in a Wide Range of Conditions

If a cause can be found, our neuro-otology experts will find it. We consider all possible causes of dizziness and balance disorders, both typical and atypical.

Our balance disorder specialists have deep experience treating neurological disorders of the vestibular system, including acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), bilateral vestibulopathy, cerebellar ataxias, episodic ataxias, chronic vertigo, gait imbalance of unknown cause, Meniere’s disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), nystagmus, superficial siderosis, superior canal dehiscence, vestibular migraine, vestibular neuritis, and vestibular paroxysmia.

Systematic Testing and Treatment

Determining the cause and mechanism of imbalance is paramount. Our Center’s testing capabilities include:

  • Audiometry
  • Computed Tomography (CT) 
  • Electrocochleography (EcochG)
  • Electroneurography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Posturography
  • Tilt Table Testing
  • Vestibular Myogenic Evoked Potentials (VEMP)
  • Video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT)
  • Videonystagonystagmography (VNG)

Location

Barrow Neurological Institute campus in 3D

Videos

Minding What Matters Most

Minding What Matters Most