I walked into the quiet, modern ENT wing of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute, notebook in hand, ready to meet a doctor whose name is frequently mentioned when dizziness or balance disorders strike. I was there to interview Dr. Shama S Kovale — a reputed Vertigo specialist doctor in Mumbai — to learn, first-hand, how vertigo is diagnosed and managed, what patients should expect, and what recovery looks like.
Who is Dr. Shama S Kovale — Credentials & Clinic Setup
Dr. Shama Kovale is a seasoned ENT surgeon and laryngologist with over two decades of experience.She holds an MS (ENT) and a DORL (Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology, Mumbai). Over the years, she has received advanced training including fellowships — notably in phonosurgery (voice and swallowing disorders) and cochlear implant surgery. Her academic and professional journey includes associations with prestigious institutions across Mumbai, building a diverse background in both surgical and non-surgical ENT care.
At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital , Dr. Kovale practices out of a full-fledged ENT department, which includes a dedicated vestibular/vertigo clinic under its broader services. The hospital’s ENT setup is known for cutting-edge diagnostic tools, endoscopic systems, hearing-audiology services, and minimally invasive or skull-base surgical capacities — making it one of the more comprehensive ENT centres in the city. According to what she shared during our conversation and the clinic description, the environment supports thorough diagnostics (audiology, vestibular testing) and coordinated treatment plans involving physiotherapy, counselling, and — if needed — surgical intervention.
Given this grounding, Dr. Kovale stands among what many consider the “ENT Specialist in Mumbai” who can manage complex ENT and balance-related disorders — and for balance/vertigo disorders, she emerges as one of the “Best ENT Specialists in Mumbai.”
How Vertigo Treatment Is Approached
During our interview, Dr. Kovale emphasized that vertigo is rarely trivial — it involves the delicate vestibular system (inner ear + balance pathways) and may stem from diverse causes: benign positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, inner-ear structural issues, or even neurological causes.
At the clinic, evaluation typically begins with a comprehensive balance and hearing assessment, including vestibular testing and hearing studies offered by the specialised vertigo unit. Based on findings, there are two broad tracks:
- Non-invasive therapies: repositioning maneuvers (for BPPV), vestibular rehabilitation (balance training, physiotherapy), hearing & vestibular support, and reassurance.
- Medical or surgical interventions: in rare cases — for example, when there is structural ear pathology, inner ear disease, or conditions like acoustic neuroma — ENT-neuro coordination may become necessary for surgical management.
Dr. Kovale noted that the treatment plan is always individualized — depending on the root cause, patient age, general health, and severity of symptoms. She described her approach as careful, evidence-based, and patient-centred, often combining therapy with emotional and functional support for recovery.
Benefits and Risks of Treatment
Benefits
- Precision diagnosis with advanced vestibular testing: Because the clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, patients receive accurate diagnoses. That helps ensure the right therapy — especially important since vertigo has multiple possible causes.
- Non-invasive and rehabilitative options: Many vertigo cases — especially positional types — respond well to repositioning maneuvers and vestibular rehabilitation, avoiding need for drugs or surgery. During our interview, Dr. Kovale stressed that these interventions help restore balance, reduce spinning episodes, and alleviate dizziness-related anxiety.
- Multidisciplinary care under one roof: Thanks to combined ENT, audiology, and physiotherapy services at the hospital, patients benefit from holistic treatment: inner-ear care, balance rehab, follow-up, and — if required — surgical management.
- Potential for lasting improvement: When underlying issues are correctly identified — whether inner-ear inflammation, structural problems, or vestibular disorders — appropriate therapy (with follow-up) can restore mobility and significantly improve quality of life.
Risks / Limitations
- Possibility of recurrence: As noted by the hospital’s own literature, certain vestibular conditions (like BPPV) may recur.
- Surgery (if needed) comes with inherent risks: In rare cases requiring inner-ear surgery or neuro-otological intervention (e.g., for acoustic neuroma), risks include surgical complications, recovery time, or potential hearing/balance side-effects — typical of any ENT surgery. Dr. Kovale framed surgery as a reserved option, only after careful evaluation.
- Recovery varies per individual: Success depends on root cause, patient health, compliance with vestibular rehab, and follow-up — so not all patients may get full relief, and some may need maintenance therapy or periodic check-ups.
- Vestibular rehab requires commitment: Non-surgical management demands regular physiotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, clarity in follow-up — which may be challenging for some patients.
Approximate Cost Range — What Patients Should Know
During our discussion, Dr. Kovale shared that costs at the hospital vary widely depending on the diagnostic tests, therapy sessions, or surgical interventions required. While she did not quote specific figures, generally one can expect:
- Consultation and basic vestibular assessment: modest cost (standard ENT consultation at such hospitals).
- Diagnostic battery (audiometry, VNG/vestibular tests, imaging if needed): higher but variable, depending on the complexity.
- Vestibular rehabilitation / physiotherapy sessions: potentially multiple visits — cost accumulates over time.
- Surgical intervention (rare, if required): significantly higher — covers operation theatre, anesthesia, hospital stay, follow-up care.
Dr. Kovale emphasized that exact cost estimates are only possible after full evaluation, since each case differs.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice — Shared by Dr. Kovale
In our conversation, Dr. Kovale underscored several key guidelines for patients undergoing vertigo treatment or rehabilitation:
- Strict follow-up and vestibular rehabilitation: Even after a repositioning maneuver or initial therapy, regular sessions of balance exercises are vital to rebuild stability and prevent recurrence.
- Lifestyle awareness: Avoid sudden head/neck movements, sleep and posture adjustments, and avoid triggers like dehydration or prolonged inactivity.
- Stress and anxiety management: Vertigo often brings anxiety or panic — managing stress through relaxation, counselling, gradual exposure to movement helps reduce vestibular sensitivity.
- Patient education: Understand the root cause — whether inner-ear, neurological, or structural — and follow the prescribed plan. Dr. Kovale stressed informed consent and realistic expectations.
- Hearing and vestibular hygiene: Avoid loud noise, treat ear infections early, and monitor ear health to prevent further inner-ear damage.
Who Should Consider Seeing a Vertigo Specialist — And What to Expect
From what I observed during my visit and heard during the interview, patients suffering from repeated dizziness, spinning sensations, imbalance, sudden falls, or ongoing nausea without clear cause — especially if inner-ear or balance issues are suspected — are good candidates for evaluation by a vertigo specialist like Dr. Kovale.
Because of the hospital’s strong ENT infrastructure and her deep experience, patients with simple vestibular disorders (like BPPV) can often find relief with non-invasive therapy. Meanwhile, individuals with more complex vestibular, neurological, or structural ear problems may benefit from her surgical expertise — albeit understanding the risks and need for precise diagnostics and follow-up.
Given that she is part of a larger multidisciplinary ENT team under Kokilaben Hospital’s advanced ENT services, patients have access to audiology, physiotherapy, imaging, and post-operative care — a comprehensive package rarely available in smaller clinics.
Final Thoughts & Reflective CTA
Meeting Dr. Shama S Kovale and witnessing the way the ENT–Vertigo Clinic at Kokilaben Hospital operates transformed my understanding of vertigo — not as a vague, mysterious “dizziness,” but as a diagnosable, often treatable disorder of the vestibular system. Early and accurate evaluation, combined with targeted therapy or rehabilitation — sometimes even surgery — can restore balance, reduce debilitating dizziness, and improve quality of life.
If vertigo or recurrent dizziness has been affecting you or a loved one’s daily life, it may be worth considering a consultation. A detailed vestibular evaluation could be the first step toward regaining steadiness and control.
If you’re considering a consultation with Dr. Shama S Kovale, here are the details:
📍 Clinic Address:
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
📞 Give Us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
📧 Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com