The many parts of the human body are designed to work together in perfect harmony. This is especially true of the various structures within the head and neck area.
Most people can handle things like seasonal colds, occasional sore throats, or minor earaches with self-care methods. However, there are more serious problems, like the ones discussed below, that can have patients searching for the best head and neck clinic in Orange County to receive an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
Balance Disorders
Feeling unsteady or dizzy are symptoms often related to balance disorders originating within the head and neck area. Patients visiting the best head and neck clinic in Orange County can be treated for a wide range of balance-related disorders, including:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Deep inner ear infections like labyrinthitis
- Vertigo
- Vestibular neuritis (neuronitis)
- Vestibular migraines
Sinus Conditions
Normally, sinus infections (sinusitis) clear up with little or no intervention, or the use of over-the-counter medications. It’s when such infections have become chronic (lasting 3-4 months or more) that patients are often referred to the types of specialists likely to be found at a top-notch head and neck clinic.
Gland Disorders
Another reason patients may visit the best head and neck clinic in Orange County is because of suspected gland disorders. In particular, it’s problems with the thyroid and parathyroid gland in the neck that can contribute to symptoms that may include increased fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, difficulty sleeping, or a heightened sensitivity to temperature. If thyroid irregularities are discovered, a head and neck specialist may perform a thyroid stimulating hormone test to determine if the thyroid is either over or under active (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Thee are two common birth defects that often require attention from the type of specialists typically on staff at the best head and neck clinic in Orange County. Lip and palate deformities are sometimes diagnosed with an ultrasound before birth, otherwise they are usually noticed at the time of birth. Since such defects can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak, and hear, treatment normally involves surgery to correct the abnormalities and therapy to address related conditions.
Head/Neck Growths
If unusual growths in the head or neck are discovered, patients may be referred to a clinic so specialized testing can be done. Diagnosis usually involves the testing of a tissue sample to determine if the growth is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). With smaller growths, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended. For more aggressive tumors, treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Bell’s Palsy and Other Facial Conditions
Any type of trauma or damage affecting facial nerves can result in some degree of facial paralysis. One of the most common causes of symptoms of this nature is Bell’s palsy, a condition that can produce mild weakness of facial muscles or complete paralysis. Depending on the extent of the symptoms experienced, facial nerve conditions may be treated with oral steroids and other medications or techniques such as electronic nerve stimulation.
TMJ Disorders
If the temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw to the skull is irritated or damaged, a head and neck specialist can determine the most effective way to manage symptoms. With significant TMJ disorders not responding well to other treatments, surgical options may be explored
The best head and neck clinic in Orange County is also a place where patients can receive diligent follow-up care and advice on how to minimize future problems as much as possible. Sinus sufferers, for instance, may be advised to be mindful of pollen counts and minimize exposure to indoor air pollutants; while parents of children with thyroid imbalances may be given diet suggestions to help manage symptoms.