Diagnostic Equipment for ENT

MFG Foundation and ARMC Foundation came together to assist Ashtabula Regional Medical Center in the purchase of new diagnostic equipment 

A donation from the MFG Foundation was matched by ARMC Foundation helped ARMC replace an important diagnostic tool for determining the cause of a patient's dizziness. The donation was used to purchase a new videonystagmography (VNG) unit to replace an older unit that was no longer serviceable. 

ARMC's ear, nose and throat providers use the VNG unit daily. 

"We tested nearly 1,500 patients over the past two years," said Retired ARMC Otolaryngologist Michael Papsidero, MD. "The noninvasive test helps to determine if the dizziness is caused by a disorder of the ear (vestibular system) or of the central nervous system." 

With a vestibular disorder, patients may experience unsteadiness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), light-headedness and tinnitus (a ringing sound in the ears). During a VNG test, the patient wears a set of goggles, which detects eye movement as the patient turns and moves their head. If a person has a vestibular disorder, they may have involuntary eye movement up and down or side-to-side (known as nystagmus). The VNG unit can also test a patient's sensitivity to cool and warm air, which can help identify which ear is causing the dizziness. 

If a vestibular disorder is confirmed, treatment options can include physical therapy, medication or surgery. Physical therapy is the primary treatment choice for various balance disorders, including benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, or BPPV. This is a condition in which a crystal in the inner ear breaks off from its attachments and floats in the semicircular canals. These canals are critical to balance and the movement of the otolith can cause vertigo. 

"You won't find this technology everywhere," Dr. Papsidero said. "We have been using this at ARMC since 2012. It is an essential tool for our ENT practice and has helped many patients over the years."