FAQs

Balance Testing

How long is the ENG testing and what is it?

The Electronystagmography (ENG) test provides important information about the balance mechanism of the inner ear. This test tracks eye movements that offer information about the balance system. There are three main parts of the ENG.

1. The tracking tests measure eye movements as your eyes follow a visual target.
2. The positional tests measure dizziness while sitting with your head in different positions.
3. The caloric tests involve running cool and warm air into the ear canal. This change in temperature stimulates the inner ear, causing rapid movements of your eyes. The final portion of the test may give you a sensation of moving that will dissipate rapidly.

The entire ENG test will take approximately an hour. If you have been scheduled for this test, please refer to this form for instructions on what to do before your testing.

Imaging

Imaging/Radiation Safety & ALARA

Radiation Safety

• Much of the amazing ability that we enjoy in healthcare today is because of our ability to image disease processes inside the body.
• There has been a substantial increase in the amount of imaging the patients undergo over the last several decades. In the case of CT scans we are exposed to ionizing radiation, and with that, there is a potential overexposure. ALARA is an acronym used in radiation safety for, "As Low As Reasonably Achievable." This is a concept based on the minimization of radiation dosage and limiting the amount of radioactive exposure to as low a dose as reasonably possible. This is a cornerstone of all radiation safety programs.
• In our practice, we have been utilizing the MINI CAT from Xoran since 2011. This on-site device allows us to be able to provide the lowest radiation possible for necessary imaging in cases of determining the extent and approach to curing sinus disease. In the following document, you can see that the decrease in radiation exposure is dramatic.  Our on-site imaging provides the same imaging quality with less than 20% of the radiation exposure in a conventional sinus CT Scan.
• If you have had imaging at other institutions or your concern regarding the amount of radiation exposure you have been subjected to please feel free to use this Risk Calculator.
• The above-mentioned link will allow you to be able to calculate your risk of exposure to a host of imaging modalities including CT scans, Nuclear Medicine studies, Interventional Procedures, MRI, and ultrasound. The study is customizable for both men and women and any age. It allows one to calculate the total effective dose of radiation, as well as additional cancer risks versus baseline cancer risks from exposure.

OTC Nasal steroid sprays

Over the counter (OTC) Nasal sprays for allergy you can use!

Over the last five years there has been a large number of prescription medications made available to patients over the counter.  The medications that you once had to go to your healthcare provider now can be purchased in every pharmacy, most grocery stores and even in some convenience stores. I recently did an interview on KOLO TV  talking about the different kinds of nasal sprays.  You can see that interview here. This interview focuses on the main nasal sprays that are steroids for allergy.  This can be particularly helpful for you if you are having seasonal allergy problems such as watery eyes, itching and sneezing.   Remember! If you use these medications you need to be patient and try them for 7-14 days consistently to see if they help.  As always, read and follow the directions on the bottle.  If they help then GREAT! If not then consult your healthcare provider.   Dr Hudson

Sinus procedures

Sinus procedures: Intro to Balloon sinus dilation vs Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Balloon Sinus Dilation is a relatively new procedure that patients can undergo in the office to help treat chronic sinus issues. If you have been having problems with facial pressure, headache pain, congestion or stuffy nose. And it has been accompanied by a thick, yellow-green nasal discharge or a low fever this may be an option.   Some of the advantages that the in-office balloon procedure may provide are that it has a quick recovery and in most cases is more cost effective for the patient. It is a permanent procedure and can be used in almost all patient populations. A useful website to visit is the sinussurgeryoptions.com website which will walk you through your symptom complex and educate you further about how sinus balloon dilation works!   If you would like to see how the balloons actually work you can see a video of that here.   If you would like to see actual sinus surgery you can see a video of that here.