Specialties Defined
Several types of health care professionals may become involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of dizziness and balance disorders. Below are brief descriptions of some of these US-specific specialties. General information on certifying boards is available from the American Board of Medical Specialties and specialty-specific information is available from VEDA's list of links.
Audiologist
Neurologist
Neuro-ophthalmologist
Occupational therapist
Ophthalmologist
Otolaryngologist/ENT
Otologist/Neurotologist
Otoneurologist
Physical therapist
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Otolaryngologists (also known as ENTs, or ear, nose, and throat doctors) are physicians and surgeons who diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures. Degrees: MD, DO
Otologists/Neurotologists are otolaryngologists who have completed 1-2 years of additional training in evaluating and treating medical and surgical diseases of the ear, skull base, and related structures, as well as the connections between the ear and the brain. Evaluation by an otologist/neurotologist is appropriate when a person has been seen by a primary care physician or otolaryngologist/ENT, but needs a further opinion or a more specific diagnosis. Degrees: MD, DO
Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the brain and nervous system. They do not perform surgery, but they can recommend surgical treatment by an otolaryngologist, neurotologist, or neurosurgeon. Neurologists have at least three years of specialized training following medical school and a one-year internship. Degrees: MD, DO
An Otoneurologist is a neurologist with additional years of specialized training. They approach dizziness and balance disorders from the brain outward instead of from the ear in toward the brain (as in neurotologists). Like neurologists, they do not perform surgery but can recommend surgical treatment by other specialists. Degrees: MD, DO
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care. They are trained to provide all elements of eye care including prescribing glasses and contact lenses, treating diseases of the eye, and performing eye surgery. Degrees: MD, DO
Neuro-ophthalmologists are ophthalmologists with a subspecialty that focuses on vision problems that are related to the nervous system, including the optic nerve and visual pathways. Neuro-ophthalmology is typically a nonsurgical subspecialty; it can, however, include surgery of the eye and orbit. Degrees: MD, DO
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness. Their training focuses on the relationship between emotional illness and other medical illnesses; their training qualifies them to distinguish between physical and psychological causes of symptoms. They can order medical and neurological psychological testing, and can dispense medication and provide counseling therapy. Degrees: MD, DO
Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology in the study of the mind and behavior. They can order neurological psychological testing and perform counseling therapy and behavior modification therapy. They cannot dispense medication but often coordinate with psychiatrists for such medical intervention. Degrees: PhD or PsyD.
Audiologists hold a master's or doctoral degree. In the US, they are not trained as medical doctors. They perform auditory and vestibular testing, and are trained in prevention, identification, assessment, and non-medical treatment of hearing disorders. They work closely with medical doctors and hearing aid manufacturers. Most jurisdictions require licensure to practice. Degrees: PhD, EdD, AuD, or MS, among others.
Physical therapists (also known as PTs) provide services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes, including balance disorders. They help people to reduce pain and regain function after illness or injury. They have a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program in physical therapy. They may also receive credentialing in a particular specialty, such as neurologic, orthopedic, or sports physical therapy. Some physical therapists are certified in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). They help people affected by balance disorders to regain function by designing exercise plans tailored to their specific needs. Degrees: PT, MPT, DPT.
Occupational therapists (also known as OTs) study human growth and development with respect to the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury. Occupational therapists develop alternative coping mechanisms for children and adults who have health conditions that significantly affect their ability to manage their daily lives. They may work closely with physicians, physical therapists, and psychologists. They have a masters or doctoral degree from an accredited program in occupational therapy and may also receive credentialing. Some occupational therapists are certified in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). They help people affected by balance disorders to regain function by designing exercise plans tailored to their specific needs. Degrees: OT, OTR, MS, OTD.
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