Jalandhar gets first-ever vertigo lab to treat balance disorders
Jalandhar’s first-ever vertigo laboratory was inaugurated on Independence Day at NHS Hospital. The specialised facility is designed to diagnose and manage balance and dizziness disorders, providing advanced diagnostic and treatment options that were previously unavailable in the region.
The inauguration, which coincided with the nation’s Independence Day, began with a flag hoisting ceremony symbolising both the country’s freedom and the hospital’s theme for the occasion: “Freedom from Vertigo”. Prior to this, residents of the region had to travel to metropolitan cities for vertigo testing and treatment, making the launch of this new lab a significant advancement in local healthcare services.
The newly launched lab is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate inner ear function, eye movements and balance control. These technologies allow specialists to accurately pinpoint the underlying causes of vertigo symptoms, which are often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, especially among the elderly.
Dr Sandeep Goel, Director and Senior Neurologist and Dr Naveen Chitkara, Director and Senior Neurosurgeon, jointly unveiled the lab during the ceremony. Speaking on the importance of the new facility, Dr Goel explained that vertigo affects a large portion of the population, often leading to discomfort, loss of confidence and increased risk of falls.
Dr Goel said, “Vertigo is a fairly common condition in this region. We treat three to four patients daily and 15 out of 100 people are affected by it. While vertigo is not a disease in itself, it is a symptom caused by various factors affecting the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathways.” He noted that effective treatment requires advanced diagnostic tools and personalised care, which the vertigo lab is now equipped to provide.
In addition to advanced diagnostics, the lab also offers comprehensive treatment options, including vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medical management and lifestyle advice. The facility operates with a multidisciplinary approach that integrates neurology, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), physiotherapy and rehabilitation services to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.
Dr Goel emphasised the impact of vertigo on daily life, saying, “Vertigo can be debilitating and affect even simple tasks. This new facility will offer timely, accurate diagnoses and effective treatments to help patients regain balance and improve their quality of life.”
Dr Chitkara added, “This is the first dedicated vertigo lab in Jalandhar and it will bring world-class healthcare closer to our community. With our advanced technology and expert team, patients no longer have to travel far for specialised care.” This initiative marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare accessibility in Jalandhar.
Jalandhar