A Medical Journalist’s Conversation With Dr. Shama S Kovale About Vertigo Care in Mumbai
- May 26
- 4 min read
When I visited Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri West recently, my objective was to understand how specialists manage balance disorders that are often misunderstood by patients. During my interaction with Dr. Shama S Kovale, discussions repeatedly centered around the growing number of individuals seeking vertigo treatment in mumbai. While many people casually describe dizziness as vertigo, the consultations I observed revealed that true vertigo can involve complex disorders of the inner ear, vestibular system, or neurological pathways.
Understanding Vertigo Beyond “Dizziness”
Vertigo is not simply a feeling of lightheadedness. According to Dr. Shama S Kovale, true vertigo often creates a sensation that the surrounding environment is spinning or moving even when the patient is stationary. The condition may arise from inner ear disturbances, vestibular dysfunction, infections, migraine-related disorders, or neurological conditions.
Patients experiencing vertigo commonly report symptoms such as:
Spinning sensations
Imbalance while walking
Nausea or vomiting
Ringing in the ears
Sudden positional dizziness
Difficulty focusing during movement
During our discussion, Dr. Kovale explained that identifying the root cause remains one of the most important aspects of treatment because vertigo itself is a symptom rather than a standalone disease.
Dr. Shama S Kovale’s Qualifications and Clinical Experience
Dr. Shama S Kovale is an otorhinolaryngologist and skull base surgeon associated with Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Mumbai. Information available through her professional profile indicates that she completed MBBS followed by specialization in ENT surgery and advanced training in skull base and otology-related procedures.
Her practice includes management of vertigo, balance disorders, hearing loss, sinus disease, ear infections, and advanced ENT conditions. The clinical profile also reflects experience in vestibular evaluation and minimally invasive ENT procedures.
During my visit, it became evident that many patients searching online for an ENT Specialist in Mumbai are increasingly seeking physicians who combine diagnostic expertise with access to advanced vestibular testing facilities. Dr. Kovale’s work appears positioned within this evolving area of ENT practice where balance disorders are receiving more specialized attention.
Online searches and patient discussions also occasionally associate her with terms such as Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai, particularly among individuals seeking care for chronic dizziness and vestibular disorders. However, the consultation environment itself remained grounded in clinical evaluation and patient education rather than overt branding.
Observations From the Clinical Environment
The ENT department at Kokilaben Hospital reflected a multidisciplinary setup. Patients undergoing vertigo evaluation often moved through hearing assessments, vestibular testing, neurological reviews, and imaging referrals where necessary.
Dr. Kovale explained that vertigo diagnosis frequently requires a combination of patient history, physical examination, positional testing, and sometimes radiological evaluation. Some cases may stem from benign positional vertigo, while others may involve Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, migraine-associated vertigo, or neurological causes.
The structured diagnostic approach appeared especially important because symptoms described as “dizziness” may overlap with cardiac, neurological, or metabolic conditions.
Common Treatment Approaches for Vertigo
According to Dr. Kovale, treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. During our conversation, she described several approaches commonly used in vertigo management:
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Canal repositioning maneuvers for positional vertigo
Medication for nausea and vestibular suppression
Treatment of underlying ear infections
Migraine management strategies
Lifestyle modifications
Rare surgical intervention in selected cases
For patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), positional maneuvers often provide substantial relief when performed correctly. However, chronic or recurrent cases may require longer-term vestibular therapy and monitoring.
She also emphasized that patients should avoid self-diagnosing dizziness because symptoms may occasionally indicate more serious neurological or vascular conditions.
Benefits of Timely Vertigo Treatment
One of the strongest themes emerging from my interview was the importance of early diagnosis and management. Untreated vertigo can significantly disrupt daily life, particularly in older adults who may face increased fall risk.
Some of the commonly observed benefits of appropriate vertigo treatment include:
Improved balance and mobility
Reduction in dizziness episodes
Better ability to perform daily activities
Reduced nausea and motion sensitivity
Improved confidence while walking or traveling
Prevention of fall-related injuries
Dr. Kovale noted that many patients delay seeking medical attention because they assume dizziness is temporary or stress-related. In reality, persistent vertigo may require targeted vestibular care and rehabilitation.
Risks and Challenges Associated With Treatment
While many forms of vertigo respond well to treatment, management can sometimes be complex depending on the underlying diagnosis.
Possible challenges or risks may include:
Temporary worsening of dizziness during vestibular exercises
Medication side effects such as drowsiness
Recurrence of positional vertigo
Persistent imbalance in chronic vestibular disorders
Delayed diagnosis if symptoms overlap with neurological conditions
Dr. Kovale explained that patient adherence plays an important role in recovery, especially when vestibular rehabilitation exercises are prescribed. Some individuals discontinue therapy prematurely because exercises initially provoke mild dizziness.
She also highlighted the importance of evaluating sudden vertigo associated with severe headache, neurological weakness, or speech difficulty as these symptoms may indicate conditions beyond ENT-related causes.
Approximate Cost Range for Vertigo Care in Mumbai
When asked about treatment costs, Dr. Kovale clarified that expenses vary considerably depending on diagnostic requirements, duration of therapy, and hospital infrastructure.
In general terms, consultation and initial evaluation for vertigo in Mumbai may range from approximately ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 in private healthcare settings. Additional investigations such as audiometry, vestibular testing, MRI scans, or rehabilitation sessions can increase overall expenses depending on complexity.
Patients with chronic or recurrent vertigo may require ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits over time.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared During the Interview
A particularly practical part of the discussion focused on patient precautions after treatment or during active vertigo episodes.
Among the recommendations Dr. Kovale commonly advises are:
Avoid sudden head movements during acute episodes
Maintain adequate hydration
Sleep with proper head support if positional vertigo is diagnosed
Continue vestibular exercises regularly
Avoid driving during severe dizziness
Reduce excessive caffeine and alcohol intake in selected cases
Report hearing loss, persistent vomiting, or worsening imbalance promptly
She also noted that older adults should take additional precautions to prevent falls, especially at night or while using stairs.
Recovery timelines can vary significantly depending on the diagnosis. Some patients improve within days, while others may require weeks of vestibular rehabilitation and follow-up care.
The Growing Awareness Around Vestibular Health
One observation from my visit was how awareness around vestibular disorders appears to be increasing in urban healthcare settings. More patients now seek specialized evaluation instead of dismissing dizziness as fatigue or stress alone.
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