Patient Information
A balance disorder is a disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, giddy, woozy, or have a sensation of movement, spinning, or floating. An organ in our inner ear, the labyrinth, is an important part of our vestibular (balance) system. The labyrinth interacts with other systems in the body, such as the visual (eyes) and skeletal (bones and joints) systems, to maintain the body's position. These systems, along with the brain and the nervous system, can be the source of balance problems. Examples of these vestibular disorders include, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV, Labyrinthitis, Ménière's disease, Vestibular neuronitis and Perilymph fistula. For more information, visit the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Our Physicians
For a St. John Health neurosciences physician who treats vestibular disorders, click on a name below.
Amer G. Aboukasm, MD
Hospital Privileges: St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, St. John North Shores Hospital
Dr. Aboukasm is neurologist who is board certified in neurology and physiology and electrodiagnostic medicine. He has hospital privileges at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St John Northeast Community Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital.Dr. Aboukasm has a special interest in treating stroke and Parkinson's disease patients. He speaks three languages: Arabic, French and English.
Dr. Aboukasm was recognized by his peers as one of Metro Detroit's most respected neurologists in Hour Detroit magazine's annual "Top Docs" rankings in 2008.
Seilesh C. Babu, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Babu is fellowship trained in Otology and Neurotology from the Michigan Ear Institute in Farmington Hills, MI. He completed his Otolaryngology Residency at Henry Ford Health System after receiving his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Dr. Babu has clinical interests in ear surgery, hearing loss and reconstruction, dizziness, cochlear implants, acoustic neuromas and skull base lesions, facial nerve weakness in kids and adults. Dr. Babu has several publications in these areas. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and associate member of the American Neurotology Society. He currently serves as a council member to the Michigan Otolaryngological Society.
Raymond T. Bauer, MD
Hospital Privileges: Father Murray Nursing Center, Senior Community Nursing Center, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John North Shores Hospital
Dr. Bauer is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and currently serves at Medical Staff President and Medical Director of Rehab Services at St. John North Shores Hospital. He also is on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Parkinson?s Foundation. Dr. Bauer attended Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his training at Sinai Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident, and at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. He has conducted research in Parkinson?s Disease and oncology in addition to his work as a specialist in EMG testing, sports medicine and rehabilitation medicine. Dr. Bauer's sub-specialties and clinical interests include: Botox injections for spasticity, amputation patients, Parkinson's disease, stroke, carpal tunnel syndrome, Guillain Barre, and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as non-surgical management of back and neck pain.
Rukhsana Begum, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Rukhsana Begum, MD specializes in all varieties of neurological disorders like headache, low back pain, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, and seizure disoder. Dr. Begum also focuses on neuropathy, myopathy, Parkinson's Disease & related movement disorders, EEG and EMG. Special interest include stroke management, pain management and neurologic disorders of women.
Dennis I. Bojrab, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Dennis I. Bojrab is a Board certified otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon. He is regionally, nationally, and internationally respected for his expertise in evaluation and management of the patient afflicted with dizziness, treatment of chronic ear infections, hearing restoration surgery, medical and surgical treatment of facial nerve disorders and skull base tumors.
Dr. Bojrab was recognized as a "Top Doc" in otolaryngology by Hour Detroit magazine in 2008.
Norman M. Burns, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Norman Burns received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, medical degree from Ross University and neurology training at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Burns underwent additional fellowship training in Neurodiagnostic Medicine, including EEG/Epilepsy, EMG/Neuromuscular Disease and Sleep Medicine..
Paul A. Cullis, MD
Hospital Privileges: St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, St. John North Shores Hospital
Dr. Cullis, who is certified in neurology and neurorehabilitation, is Section Chief of Neurology at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, and Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He has special training and expertise in movement disorders, such as dystonia and Parkinson's disease. Dr. Cullis was the first physician in Michigan to inject botulinum toxin into neck muscles for spasmodic torticollis and the first physician in the United States to treat patients with botulinum toxin B (Myobloc). Dr. Cullis is the chairman of the Professional Advisory Board of the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation and former medical director of the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association. Dr. Cullis was named by his peers as one of metro Detroit's top neurologists in Hour Detroit magazine's 2007 and 2008 "Top Docs" survey.
Sarih Dalati, MD
Hospital Privileges: St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital
Dr. Dalati provides treatment for adult patients in neurology and neurophysiology. He can perform EEG and EMG procedures to help diagnose conditions in patients experiencing neurological or neurophysiological problems. His special interests include Parkinson's disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis and headache.
- Adult Neurology, Neurophysiology, EMG, EEG.
- Our practice designs individual treatment for each different patient.
- In addition to above our practice interests include headache, dementia, parkinson's disease, epilepsy, back pain, and multiple sclerosis.
Mitchell L. Elkiss, DO
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Elkiss received his medical degree from Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine. He spent a year in a Biomechanics Fellowship at Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in Neurology at Botsford General Hospital. He studied medical acupuncture through the Helms Medical Institute. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Neuropsychiatry, American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, American Headache Society, and American College of Neurology. He holds a certificate of special proficiency in osteopathic manipulative medicine from the American Academy of Osteopathy. He is a member of Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Osteopathic Association, Oakland County Medical Society, etc. He is a founding member of Associates In Neurology, P.C. located in Farmington Hills, MI.
Anthony F. Femminineo, MD
Hospital Privileges: Father Murray Nursing Center, Senior Community Nursing Center, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John North Shores Hospital, St. John River District Hospital
Dr. Femminineo has served as the Department Vice-Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitationn at St. John North Shores Hospital. Dr. Femminineo has special interest in sports medicine. In 2005 and 2008, Dr. Femminineo was named one of the Detroit area's top physiatrists in Hour magazine's "Top Docs" survey.
Dr. Femminineo believes in patient-centered, consciencious care.
Joseph P. Femminineo, MD
Hospital Privileges: Father Murray Nursing Center, Senior Community Nursing Center, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John North Shores Hospital
Dr. Femminineo is past Section Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Femminineo has been named by his peers as one of the area's top physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists in Hour Detroit magazine's "Top Docs" ranking (1988-2008).
Jack M. Kartush, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Jack M. Kartush is a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon. He is internationally known for his expertise of acoustic tumors, facial paralysis, ear infections, hearing loss and dizziness. His current research includes the development of an implantable hearing device.
Brian N. Kirschner, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Brian Kirschner trained at the University of Michigan including medical school, residency, and a fellowship in neuromuscular disease and electrodiagnostic testing. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (Neurology) with Subspecialty Certification in Clinical Neurophysiology. He has been practicing in Oakland County since 1997, is on staff at five local hospitals, and serves on the clinical faculty at Wayne State and Michigan State Universities. He treats adults and adolescents with all types of neurological disorders, and he has extensive training in nerve conduction studies, EMG, EEG, evoked potentials, botulinum toxin injections, and management of intrathecal baclofen pumps.
Bruce H. Kole, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Kole is the current Section Chief of Neurology at Providence Hospital. Dr. Kole was recognized by his peers as one of the region's most respected Alzeimer's disease specialists and neuroogists in Hour Detroit magazine's Top Doc survey for 2005 and 2008.
Michael J. LaRouere, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. LaRouere is fellowship trained in otology, neurotology and skull base surgery. His special interests include chronic ear disease, dizziness and balance, acoustic tumors, facial nerve disorders, and breast cancer.
Dr. LaRouere is currently the President of the Michigan Otolaryngological Society and the Section Chief of Neurotology at Providence Hospital. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery where he serves on the Board of Governors representing the ear, nose and throat physicians from the State of Michigan. He is also active in the American Neurological Society. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Wayne State University.
Dr. LaRouere has received numerous honors and awards including being cited in the Best Doctors in the Midwest and in Michigan. He recently received the Honor Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, which acknowledged his many academic contributions to the field of otolaryngology.
Dr. LaRouere has published numerous scientific articles on the ear and related topics. He is a frequent lecturer nationally and sits on the review panel for several journals in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Current research interests include balance dysfunction, facial paralysis, chronic ear disease and tinnitus. Recently he developed tinnitus tapes which have been approved for use in combating ringing in the ears.
Boris J. Leheta, MD
Hospital Privileges: St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, St. John North Shores Hospital
Dr. Leheta is certified in neurology and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI. He is a neurologist with special training in epilepsy and neurophysiology. During his training as an epileprologist, he received several honors, including the Junior Investigator Travel Award of the American Epilepsy Society and the Epilepsy Foundation of America - Merritt Putnam Clinical Research Fellowship Award. He is also president of the Michigan Neurology Institute. Dr. Leheta is fluent in Ukranian, Polish and Russian.
Dr. Leheta was recognized by his peers as one of Metro Detroit's most respected neurologists in Hour Detroit magazine's annual "Top Docs" rankings in 2008.
Saraswati A. Muttal, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Pano L. Papalekas, MD
Hospital Privileges: Father Murray Nursing Center, Senior Community Nursing Center, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John North Shores Hospital
Frank S. Pollina, MD
Hospital Privileges: Father Murray Nursing Center, Senior Community Nursing Center, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John North Shores Hospital
Dr. Pollina is board certified in Electrodiagnostic Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He specializes in sports medicine, pinched nerves and carpal tunnel.
Dr. Pollina was named by his peers as one of the area's top physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists in Hour Detroit magazine's 2008 "Top Docs" rankings.
John C. Pollina, MD
Hospital Privileges: Father Murray Nursing Center, Senior Community Nursing Center, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, St. John North Shores Hospital
Eric W. Sargent, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital, St. John Hospital and Medical Center
Dr. Sargent has an interest in chronic ear disease, skull base surgery, and acoustic neuroma, he also has a particular interest in cochlear implantation. His research interests include the functional impact of unilateral hearing loss and the diagnosis and treatment of migraine-related dizziness.
Bruce M. Silverman, DO
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. Bruce Silverman is one of the co-founders of Associates in Neurology. Dr. Silverman focuses on Medical Neurology, Electrodiagnostics: EMG, EEG, Evoked potentials, Carotid Ultrasonography and Botox Therapy. Dr. Silverman received his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA. He completed his Internship and training in Internal Medicine as well as his Residency in Neurology at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills. Dr. Silverman is the current acting chairman of the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, Michigan Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. He is affiliated with Associates in Neurology P.C.
Dr. Silverman was recognized by his peers as one of Metro Detroit's most respected neurologists in Hour Detroit magazine's annual "Top Docs" rankings in 2008.
John J. Zappia, MD
Hospital Privileges: Providence Hospital, Providence Park Hospital
Dr. John J. Zappia is a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon. He recieved his medical degree from the University of Michigan. After general surgical internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, he completed an N.I.H. funded research fellowship at the Kresge Hearing Research Institute in Ann Arbor. Dr. Zappia completed his Otolaryngogology/Head and Neck Surgery training at the University of Michigan and went on to train further in Otology/Neurotology/Skull Base Surgery at the Michigan Ear Institute.
Dr. Zappia practiced in the Chicago area with the Chicago Otology Group and with the depatment of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern Medical Center. In 1997, he joined the Michigan Ear Institute.
His basic research work has been on ototoxic effects of medications, cochlear nerve implant prototypes and the effects of cochlear implants on the human cochlea. Dr. Zappia's numerous publications have included many facets of otology/neurotology including intraoperative monitoring, audiometric testing, treatment of tinnitus, acoustic neuromas, intraoperative hearing preservation, chronic ear disease, and treatment of vertigo.
