News from Sheba-Tel HaShomer Hospital

On a unique vestibular solution at Sheba (and one meeting that gave me hope)

I recently had a personal conversation with Dr. Yoav Gimmon, director of the Vestibular Center at Sheba. Beyond the professionalism (which I will detail in a moment), what caught me more than anything was the empathy. I felt I was facing a person who truly sees us, who understands the distress, the fear of losing control, and wants with all his heart to do the best for us. So, I gathered everything important to know about the center for you, so you too know there is an address:

What is it essentially? A Vestibular One-Stop-Shop The center at Sheba is designed to solve exactly our problem: it centralizes everything under one roof. It was established and is jointly managed by Dr. Amit Wolfovitz (ENT specialist who did a fellowship in ears in Miami) and Dr. Yoav Gimmon (Vestibular Physiotherapist who did his post-doctorate at Johns Hopkins)—some of the leading places in the world in the field of dizziness. The center operates under the ENT department, managed by Prof. Eran Alon. Their approach strives for full cooperation: ENT doctors, neurologists, cardiologists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists—everyone works together and is synchronized, from the ER through acute hospitalization wards, the rehabilitation hospital, to the end of the rehabilitation process in the clinics.

Seeing the Soul too (and this is critical!) In our conversation, Dr. Gimmon put it on the table: physiological symptoms can lead to mental and emotional symptoms. Vertigo and dizziness can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. They understand that avoidance and fear are part of the illness, and not "something in our head," and the treatment there addresses the whole person—body and mind.

Conservative and Responsible Approach This was something that really calmed me to hear: they don't rush to surgery. The approach is to exhaust rehabilitative and pharmacological treatment. For example, in Meniere's patients—the absolute majority of patients at the center are treated as conservatively as possible to prevent attacks (medications, injections) and vestibular rehabilitation to strengthen the system; surgery is super rare.

The most important message from his perspective: The cure is MOVEMENT!! Dr. Gimmon emphasized to me how critical movement is for our rehabilitation. I know that when there is dizziness, the instinct is to lie in bed and not move, but for the brain to fix itself ("Neuroplasticity") and compensate, it must have this practice. At the center, exercises are personally adapted to the patient according to the disorder they suffer from and the symptomatic expression in that specific patient. The Vestibular Center at Sheba is equipped with innovative technology (Frenzel goggles, advanced equipment, etc.), and they build a personal rehabilitation plan there. The first treatments can be hard and trigger dizziness, and that is normal! The secret is daily consistency, with breaks for recovery.

Looking to the Future They do not stop researching, creating, and developing. Dr. Gimmon shared about many studies being conducted there (developing tools for assessing the vestibular system and methods for improving rehabilitation); a nice anecdote was when he told about innovative research they are doing on combining music and rhythm in vestibular rehabilitation.

In conclusion, friends, If you feel you need a more accurate diagnosis, a rehabilitative envelope, or simply someone to listen and understand the complexity—this is an excellent address.

Contact details: Phone for appointments: 03-5303988 (Answer hours 08:00-14:00) Email: mirp.aogaron@sheba.health.gov.il Please note: Form 17 (Tofes 17) is required.

I am here for any questions, and I hope this information gives you some light and hope. Only health!

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Attaching a recommendation from Dr. Yoav Gimmon to read an article he wrote that reviews the topic of "Assessment of the Dizzy Patient" and highlights a critical point: Correct assessment of dizziness is far beyond dry tests.

Here are the main points:

• It's not just "dizziness": The complaint is subjective and can include different sensations like spinning vertigo, a floating sensation, or general instability.

• Tests are important, but...: Comprehensive assessment must include objective medical tests (like VNG or neurological tests).

• Function is no less important: The article emphasizes that it is mandatory to use questionnaires (like DHI) that check how dizziness actually affects you in daily life, functionally, physically, and emotionally.

• Regarding disability: Even in medical committees in Israel (like National Insurance), determining the degree of disability should be based on a comprehensive clinical assessment that includes not only the severity of the defect in tests but also the functional limitations and the patient's emotional state.

Bottom line: Successful assessment of a dizziness patient must combine medical findings with the personal experience and quality of life of the patient. Link to the article in the comments

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