Dr. Rios  specializes in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and has more than 25 years experience and countless hours of continuing Education in Vestibular Disorders. He co-authored a booklet entitled “Dizziness – Practical Approach to its Diagnosis” and was co-director of the Stern Neurology Laboratory  directing the vestibular section  of the Neuro- Otology Lab at Providence Memorial Hospital.  He was instrumental in bringing to town one of the best pieces of equipment to diagnose balance problems, the Computerized  Dynamic Posturography test or E.Q.T. and he up to this date  he  is the only one in the Southwest trained to interpret such a study.

 In the early 90’s  he  came out with the idea of having a “Dizziness and Balance Center”,  a place where the patient could be investigated  with the minimum of visits and tests, this is a concept that was already spreading troughout the country and many centers exist nowadays.Thus he formed the Dizziness and Balance Group  ,the group has a Dizziness and Balance Diagnostitian ,Dr, Rios, two Optometrists ,Physical Therapists , Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Neurologists ,Orthopedic Physicians , Sleep Disorder Specialists  and other Specialists according to the needs of that particular patient, thus this is that “Center” , a clinic without walls..

Dizziness and balance problems are common.  The word “dizzy” has more than 50 synonyms to describe the malaise that a person feels who has an ailment of the equilibrium system.  There are more than 100 different conditions that can cause these symptoms.  Sudden dizziness can be alarming and generally takes a person to the emergency room where after several hours is released without a diagnosis in the majority of the cases.  If the symptom continues, the patient goes from doctor to doctor and time passes by without finding a definite diagnosis.

Our equilibrium system is complicated.  Simply stated, it involves mainly the internal ear, the vision system, and the nervous system.  When the dizziness or disequilibrium lasts for more than a month, it is prudent to have an examination by specialist that through a thorough investigation can detect the cause or causes of these symptoms.  The reasons for these symptoms must be discovered so that there can be improvement.

The Dizziness and Balance Group strives to find the diagnosis followed by recommendations and/or treatments as deemed necessary . First a very complete history is taken ,followed by a thorough  and detailed examination .Testing is organized in between the office visits taking care not to repeat any tests that might have been done recently .We have state of the art equipment to evaluate the vestibular system, this is the Video nystagmogram.  This by itself is not diagnostic; however, it is one of the most important pieces when put together with the rest of the otoneurological examination plus clinical acumen, we come out with one or several diagnoses.

Consultation with Eye Doctors is often requested and found to be extremely helpful since vision is such an important component of the Equilibrium System.

Consultation with  other specialists is at times needed like Cardiology, Sleep Medicine , Neurology,  Physical Therapy etc

  The referring physician is sent a complete summary of the findings plus recommendations.  We attempt to keep cost down, therefore we don’t do repetitive testing unless it is essential.

The Dizziness and Balance Group  meets on a monthly basis for the purpose of continuing education and is open to any Physician that has an inclination and passion towards the complex world of Vestibular Disorders , the Group has the following  main members;

Marino A. Rios, M.D., P.A., Ear Specialist

Dizziness and Balance Diagnostics

1714 North Mesa

El Paso, TX 79902

Phone No:  (915)533-1626

Lilia B. Alvarez, O.D.

Vision Diagnostics

6336  Edgemere Blvd

El Paso, TX 79925

Phone No:  (915)594-8082

Mario A. Caballero, O.D.

Vision Diagnostics

10952 Ben Crenshaw

El Paso, TX 79935

Phone No:  (915)592-8090

Luis Zuniga, P.T.

Health Masters

8111 North Loop, Suite B

El Paso, TX 79907

4758 Loma Del SurCir, El Paso, Texas

Phone No. 755 0738