India Faces Shortage of Clinics for Balance Disorder Patients

An estimated 25 crore Indians suffer from balance disorders, yet the country has only 70 to 80 specialized clinics to address these issues, according to Dr Anirban Biswas, a prominent specialist in neurotology and balance disorders. Speaking at the HEAL OneHealth Connect Series organized by Pacific OneHealth at the India Habitat Centre, Dr Biswas emphasized significant deficiencies in India’s healthcare system regarding the treatment of vertigo and related conditions.

Patients experiencing balance disorders often consult between four to seven specialists and undergo numerous diagnostic tests without obtaining a definitive diagnosis or effective treatment. Dr Biswas noted that many patients are prescribed medication aimed at alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of their conditions. “What they receive in the end is symptom-suppressing medication, not a diagnosis or cure,” he stated.

Complex Nature of Balance Disorders

Balance disorders are multifaceted, involving the inner ear, neurological, cardiovascular, psychological, and musculoskeletal systems. Experts have highlighted that India’s healthcare system lacks adequate training in neurotology, leading to a scarcity of multidisciplinary balance clinics. Current practices often prioritize repeated imaging techniques, such as MRIs and CT scans, while neglecting essential assessments of balance, movement, and cognitive function.

Dr Biswas pointed out that only about one in four individuals with vertigo actually have issues related to their inner ear, yet most tests and treatments focus exclusively on that area. This results in many patients undergoing unnecessary scans and medications that fail to resolve their actual problems.

Vertigo, characterized by a sensation of spinning while still, is one of the most prevalent symptoms of balance disorders. Reports indicate that approximately 40 percent of adults experience vertigo at some point in their lives, with 54 percent of dizziness cases linked to balance disorders. The impact is particularly severe among older individuals, with prevalence rates rising to 30 percent for those over 60, 35 percent for those over 70, and 50 percent for individuals aged over 80.

Broader Implications of Untreated Disorders

Balance disorders account for 5 to 10 percent of primary care visits and 30 percent of consultations in neurology or ENT specialties. Experts warn that untreated balance disorders can lead to increased anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and a heightened fear of falling. With India’s growing elderly population and a significant portion of its working-age group affected, the issue presents a formidable public health challenge.

Dr Biswas called for the establishment of dedicated balance and vestibular clinics, improved training in neurotology, and recognition of balance disorders as conditions requiring multidisciplinary approaches. The HEAL OneHealth Connect Series served as a platform for medical professionals to advocate for the necessity of specialized care in treating balance disorders, moving away from generic treatments toward focused expertise.

As the conversation continues, the urgent need for better healthcare solutions for balance disorders in India becomes increasingly clear, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care in addressing complex medical conditions.