Neuro-Otorhinolaryngology
Our Neuro-Otorhinolaryngology department has the most advanced diagnostic techniques and the latest technological equipment, with which to offer an accurate diagnosis and the most innovative treatments.
The incorporation of genetic studies in the study of otorhinolaryngological pathology is aimed at early diagnosis, establishing a prognosis, and is decisive in guiding efficient pharmacological treatment.
Having our own laboratory specialising in clinical analysis allows us to carry out tests and design specific panels, and obtain results on the same day, such as predictive markers for head and neck cancer, autoimmune diseases in Otorhinolaryngology, chronic infections, or allergies.
Diagnostic protocols
Auditory and balance pathology
We have the equipment to perform a wide range of tests from the most basic (tonal and verbal audiometry, impedance audiometry) to the most advanced, such as high frequency tympanometry, which is useful in the auditory diagnosis of infants; high frequency audiometry, for early detection of the onset of age-related hearing loss; or otototoxic treatments, or the GAP detection threshold, in patients with suspected central hearing disorders.
Advanced package of vestibular studies in patients with central and peripheral balance disorders that allowing us to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), responsible for keeping the images we see during our daily movements stable. It includes the cephalic impulse test, advanced oculomotor tests, saccade study, positional tests, and caloric test.
All patients with hearing or balance disorders require a complete analytical study (biochemistry, blood count and metabolic series), including the detection of neurotransmitters in plasma (Neuropanel) and the evaluation of total antioxidant status.
Abnormalities in the encephalic electrical activity (EEG) may justify alterations in the auditory or vestibular pathway, such as migraine, epilepsy or states of brain immaturity that lead to the origin of symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, or central hearing disorders.
The Doppler ultrasound study measures the speed of blood flow through the blood vessels of the brain. In our Neuro-Otorhinolaryngology department it is especially useful for the diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
CT and MRI of the ear with study of the posterior fossa.
Panel of the main genes involved in hearing loss or risk of vertigo-related diseases.
Use of specific tests for patients with central auditory disorders or with an impact on quality of life due to instability or tinnitus.
Voice pathology
Together with videoendoscopy, stroboscopy provides a more accurate picture of vocal fold motility by using a flashing light synchronised with the frequency of the vocal cycle, diagnosing superficial lesions or disorders of chordal kinetics primary or secondary to neurological lesions.
The PRAAT software is an excellent tool for a visual and functional study of voice and speech and allows for therapeutic monitoring.
Functional brain tests such as functional near-infrared spectrometry (fNIRS) are a valuable tool for the study of speech and language disorders.
Brain electrical activity allows the identification of maturational delays, focal abnormalities or desynchronisations in patients with language-related disorders.
Cranial MRI.
Use of specific tests for patients with speech and language disorders.
Smell and taste disorders
Olfactory loss is a disability that can be assessed using subjective tests. Olfactometry is not only effective in the primary study of olfaction but can also be a useful tool in the detection of central disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
With gustometry we assess the existence of an excessive sensitivity to flavours (hypergeusia).
Objective tests that demonstrate the existence or not of an arousal reaction to the olfactory or gustatory stimulus.
Cranial MRI.
Head and neck tumours
- Endocavitary videoendoscopic endocavitary study
- Laboratory: Laboratory tests (biochemistry, haemogram and metabolic series), tumour markers and total antioxidant study.
- Risk genetics
- Imaging studies: cervicothoracic CT scan and cranial MRI.
Inflammatory respiratory diseases
- Videoendoscopic endocavitary study
- Laboratory: analytical tests (biochemistry, haemogram and metabolic series), ELISA test for allergens, and total antioxidant study.
- Imaging tests: Breast MRI
- Functional breathing test (spirometry)
- Risk genetics
- Olfactometry
Neuro-otorhinolaryngological pathology
- Central and peripheral balance disorders
- Central auditory processing
- Genetic deafness and hearing loss in children
- Tinnitus therapy
- Smell and taste disturbances
- Functional endoscopic assessment of swallowing disorders
- Organic and functional pathology of the voice and speech and language disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Peripheral facial paralysis
- General Otorhinolaryngological Pathology