Overview
The Dizziness and Center was established in 1996 as a conjoint service of the Departments of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS), Neurology, Neurological Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine to 1) serve as an intake service into the medical center for patients with complaints of dizziness and imbalance, 2) provide state of the art diagnostic testing using the Vestibular Diagnostic Laboratory, and 3) coordinate multidisciplinary care.
Facilities
The Center is currently is currently under the Direction of Dr. James Phillips, who is a Vestibular Neurophysiologist. The center is the site of practice of five otology specialists (one otologist, three neurotologists, and an advanced registered nurse practitioner who specializes in the treatment of otologic diseases). In addition, there are audiologists, physical therapists and technicians who perform critical assessments and execute treatment plans to facilitate the care of patients with balance disorders. The Center’s physical facilities include the Otology Clinic and the treatment facilities in Rehabilitation Medicine at the Montlake Campus of the University of Washington Medical Center, the Vestibular Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Vestibular Research Laboratories in the Department of Otolaryngology-HNS and at the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center.
An Emphasis on Research and Teaching
In addition to providing expert diagnosis and management of patients with vestibular disorders, the Center has a special mandate to contribute to advancing the clinical and basic science of the vestibular system. Although current diagnostic methods are good, there is still a large gap in the sensitivity and specificity of existing test batteries. Our knowledge of the vestibular system is expanding rapidly, and with that basic knowledge comes new opportunities for novel therapies. Developing new tests, evaluating their effectiveness, and applying new knowledge to patient care are a vital part of the Center’s responsibility. This is in keeping with the reputation of the University of Washington School of Medicine as one of the premiere teaching and research institutions in the United States.
The Center conducts a multidisciplinary monthly conference for case review and coordination of patient care that is attended by representatives from the sponsoring departments, including Oto-HNS, Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Ophthalmology, and clinicians in private practice in the community. This is a working staffing conference in which problem cases are reviewed and joint treatment plans are instituted. The conference also features a mini-lecture program under the aegis of Dr. Phillips for basic education in vestibular disorders and treatment.