Otolaryngology information and useful links
Many different problems are dealt with by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist however, some problems are so common that Dr Maloney thought that links to websites and on line resources that she has investigated would be good to share. The internet is a valuable tool, especially once a diagnosis is made, so that patients can learn more about their condition and be more active and informed in their management.
Some common problems are:
Tinnitus - otherwise known as "ringing in the ears" - although many different types of sounds are experienced.
- www.ata.org (website of the American Tinnitus Association
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- this causes the majority of throat symptoms, often adds to or causes voice disorders and is the cause of 40% of chronic cough. Many good online resources exist. Dr. Maloney often recommends that patients start with :
- www.voiceinstituteofnewyork.com and click on the "laryngopharyngeal reflux" link on the home page (or visit -- - - - -- www.voiceinstituteofnewyork.com/silent-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr-an-overview/
Chronic Cough
Many things can cause chronic cough and making things even more complicated, the longer the cough has been there for, the more likely that there is more than one reason for the symptom.
www.issc.info/cough.html - (website of the International Society for the Study of Cough). This site maintains a good explanation of the likely causes of both acute (up to two months) as well as chronic (lasting longer than two months).
Another cause of chronic cough is sensorineuropathic cough (otherwise known as cough hypersensitivity syndrome). Useful information can be found here: laryngopedia.com/sensory-neuropathic-cough/
Migraine
Some patients are surprised to learn that many symptoms presenting in the head and neck, most especially, facial pain/headache and dizziness can be due to migraine. Of course there can be other causes, so a detailed medical assessment is necessary. Dr. Maloney performs Botox treatments for migraine at Fraser ENT.
Some good resources for migraine include:
- www.migrainedisorders.org
- www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/central/migraine/mav.html -this is an excellent site (created and maintained by Dr. Timothy Hain) for a number of disorders, including various types of dizziness and vertigo, migraine and many others.
Dizziness and Vertigo (not always the same thing!)
One of the commonest causes of vertigo is a brief (under one minute) yet recurrent type of vertigo, triggered by changes in position such as as rolling over in bed, tipping the head back, going from sitting to lying and the reverse. This form of vertigo is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. A good on line resource for this disorder can be found at www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/bppv/bppv.html
Laryngospasm
A typical laryngospasm episode begins abruptly and lasts approximately one minute. The individual often makes loud inspiratory noises, the loudness of which abates gradually over the first minute or two. The voice may be choked off during the same time, making it difficult to speak. Laryngospasm is terrifying not only to the person experiencing it but also to family, friends, or strangers observing the episode. An attack may even awaken its victim from sound sleep. Rarely, an individual will experience a series of laryngospasms, making it appear that they are having one much longer spasm.
Dr. Robert Bastian (Bastian Voice Institute) has posted a really informative video on this condition https://player.vimeo.com/video/84887182, as well as a video on how to try to deal with an acute attack with a technique he calls "straw breathing". https://player.vimeo.com/video/78772085.
Benign Skin Lesion Removal - more information coming soon. Pertains to lesions removal of which is desired but not required, and hence not a benefit under MSP.
Lesions treated include skin tags, facial spider veins, sebaceous hyperplasia, benign moles, sebaceous keratosis.
Most lesions are removed using the Ellman Surgitron which is the method most likely to leave no or minimal scar. Some lesions will require scalpel removal and wound suturing. Dr. Maloney will advise on the method best suited to the lesion.
Torn or split earlobe repair.
- More information coming soon.