Missoula » Bozeman » Hamilton » 800.255.8698 | 406.541.EARS (3277) Home Our Team Services Patient Info Reviews Employment Bill Pay Contact Head & Neck Services THYROID The thyroid gland is located in the neck under the voice box and helps regulate the body’s metabolism. Thyroid tumors and other diseases can cause the thyroid to produce too much hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid tumors may be malignant (cancerous), and can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include an enlarged thyroid gland or nodule, swelling in the neck, hoarseness, cough and difficulty swallowing. Surgery may be recommended to remove adenomas or cancers in the thyroid or to remove the entire gland. TONSILLITIS Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, the fleshy areas at the back of the throat, caused by a virus or bacteria. This condition is common in children and spreads through contact with throat or nasal fluids. The tonsils become swollen, red and painful and may be coated with a yellow or white substance. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a virus, although it can sometimes be caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat. Tonsillitis symptoms are similar to those of strep throat or a common cold and may include: Sore throat Red, swollen tonsils Difficulty swallowing Fever Headache Swollen lymph nodes Laryngitis Your doctor will usually be able to identify tonsillitis by finding red and swollen tonsils with spots or sores on them. A rapid strep test may also be performed to determine the cause. Tonsillitis can usually be treated at home through rest and drinking plenty of liquids. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections. Surgery to remove the tonsils may be recommended if a child has had several serious throat infections in a short period of time. VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION (VNS) Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy®) is designed to prevent seizures by sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. These pulses are supplied by a device something like a pacemaker. The VNS device is sometimes referred to as a “pacemaker for the brain.” It is placed under the skin on the chest wall and a wire runs from it to the vagus nerve in the neck. The vagus nerve is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions of the body that are not under voluntary control, such as the heart rate. The vagus nerve passes through the neck as it travels between the chest and abdomen and the lower part of the brain. << PREVIOUS For more information or to schedule an appointment at any of our locations, please call us today: 800.255.8698 | 406.541.EARS (3277) Head & Neck Nose & Sinus Ear Pediatrics Allergy Audiology & Hearing Aids Nondiscrimination Notice DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW Rocky Mountain Centers complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Rocky Mountain Centers does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. READ MORE QUICK LINKS Home Our Team Services Patient Info Bill Pay E-Newsletter Employment Reviews Online Privacy Policy Bill Pay Contact PROCEDURES WE TREAT Acoustic Neuroma Allergies Bone Anchored Hearing Aids Cochlear Implants Ear Infections & Drainage Hearing Aids Hearing & Hearing Loss Hoarseness Lesions of the Head, Oral Cavity or Tongue Meniere’s Disease Nasal Deformity Parotid or Neck Mass Pediatric Otolaryngology Sinus Problems Skull Base Tumor Snoring & Sleep Apnea Swallowing Disorders Thyroid Tinnitus Tonsillitis Vagus Nerve Stimulation Vertigo & Balance Problems LOCATIONS Missoula Clinic in Missoula 700 West Kent Missoula, MT 59801 Fax: 406.541.3950 Polson Clinic 6 13th Avenue East Polson, MT 59860 Bozeman Clinic 925 Highland Blvd Suite 1160 Bozeman, MT 59715-6900 Hamilton Clinic 120 South 5th Street Suite 104 Hamilton, MT 59840 For all appointments at any location, please, call: Toll-free: 800.255.8698 Tel: 406.541.3277 (EARS) © 2021 Rocky Mountain ENT Center. All Rights Reserved. Design and Development by MyAdvice Terms of Use | Sitemap