Neurotology: what it is and what disorders it is involved in

The human body is an organism made up of a large number of systems, whose coordinated management allows our correct functioning and that we are able to survive and adapt to the environment. Among them we can find the nervous system, thanks to which the aforementioned coordination and management is possible, or such relevant systems such as hearing, which in addition to the perception of sounds itself, also has an effect on our orientation, balance and maintenance postural.

However, there are various problems that can appear in these systems, which can have a significant impact on our quality of life. Fortunately, there are medical specialties focused on the relationship between the nervous system and auditory-vestibular that make it possible to detect and treat the different disorders and problems that can emerge, highlighting the relatively recent neurotology.

• Related article: "Neuropsychology: what is it and what is its object of study?"

What is neurotology?

It is understood by neurotology or otoneurology is one of the branches of medicine which specializes in the study of the relationships between the auditory system and the nervous system. Is considered

a subspecialty of the specialty of otorhinolaryngology, since most of us are facing problems that originate or affect the inner ear. However, it could also be a very specific subspecialty of neurology, as it is the connection to the nervous system that is explored.

In this way, neurotology is mainly in charge of the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of alterations in which there is an alteration in the interaction between both systems. More specifically, the study of the human body from this subspecialization of medicine focuses on the ear internal, the vestibular system, the skull, and the facial, auditory, vestibular, vagus, spinal, lower, and hypoglossal nerves, among others.

These specialists usually perform assessments both at the otological and neurological level to define and find the causes of disorders linked to dizziness, floating sensations and hearing loss. In general, these are hearing problems and problems related to balance or body position derived from neurological involvement.

Necessary training

This medical field already possessed a powerful body of theoretical knowledge since the 20th century, but it has not been until a few decades ago that it has been established as a subspecialty. To become a neuro-otologist or otoneurologist, we must have knowledge of both otorhinolaryngology and neurology.

To achieve this degree it will be necessary, first of all, to have completed a medical degree, after which the specialization in otorhinolaryngology (although the possibility of coming from neurology is not ruled out) and later subspecializing in this field. we are before a type of prolonged and very exhaustive training regarding a very specific part of the organism.

Despite the fact that it is already a subspecialization within neurotology, a more specific sub-branch can also be found: neurology. otoneurosurgery And it is possible that some type of surgical intervention may be necessary, requiring great preparation for it.

Problems and diseases that you usually encounter

Neurotology is a medical discipline that deals with very diverse problems that can generate different levels of affectation and functional limitation to the people who suffer from them, in some cases even endangering his life. Within the set of these disorders, the following stand out.

1. hearing loss and deafness

We call hearing loss a loss of hearing which, although it is not total, supposes a loss of functionality and the person's capacity in their day to day. Deafness as such would be the total loss of hearing capacity.

In both cases we are facing something distressing and that generates limitations in daily life, the causes of which must be carefully analyzed. An example of a disease that causes hearing loss is otosclerosis. Likewise, probably one of the best-known types of intervention that is performed by neurotology in this sense is the cochlear implant.

2. Vertigo

Probably one of the most common problems seen by neurotologists is vertigo. The symptom is understood as such (since it is not a disorder in itself but it would be indicating some type of affectation or alteration of the vestibular system) characterized by the presence of dizziness, balance and orientation problems, discomfort, feeling that the world rats around us or even fainting.

3. tinnitus and tinnitus

The frequent perception of sounds like buzzing or whistling coming from the ear and that usually hinder hearing are often a reason for consultation, which neurotologists can examine to determine its causes.

4. Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is a disorder characterized by balance and hearing problems which are caused by disturbances in the maze. It is common for it to present with dizziness, tinnitus (continuous roaring noises) and feelings of discomfort, and the subject may become deaf. The specific causes are unknown to this day and there is no cure as such, but it can be treated in such a way that it is controlled.

5. Facial paralysis

Although somewhat different from the previous ones, it is possible to find people who suffer from some type of facial paralysis associated with injury or impingement of any of the cranial nerves, nerves that are also studied from neurotology.

• Related article: "Cranial nerves: the 12 nerves that exit the brain"

6. tumors

It is also possible that different types of tumors of different grade appear in the auditory pathways or in the nerves that connect these with the brain, or that some type of tumor presses the nerve pathways of these areas. From neurotology it is also possible to contribute to the detection of these neoplasms. An example is acoustic neuroma.

7. Malformations

In addition to all of the above, we can also find the presence of different types of malformation, both congenital and acquired (for example, as a result of accidents).

Through neurotheology it is possible to observe the level of involvement of the auditory and vestibular systems and even correct through surgery some affectations and malformations that hinder its proper functioning.

Bibliographic references

• Carmona, S. (2015). Current otoneurology. An Iberoamerican perspective. Mexican Journal of Communication, Audiology, Otoneurology and Phoniatrics, 4 (1).