Dr. Hendrik Dinkla, MD

Dr. Hendrik Dinkla, MD is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Deland, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His approach emphasizes prevention, recognizing that your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders. He creates personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (386) 734-5268 to schedule.

Dr. Hendrik Dinkla, MD is a neurologist in Deland, FL, affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Dinkla completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including an internship at University So Fla Affil Hosps (graduated 1985) and residency training in Sleep Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hosp/U Miami A (graduated 1988), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Dinkla provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Hendrik Dinkla is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Hendrik Dinkla can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Hendrik Dinkla provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Addressing carpal tunnel syndrome early can greatly improve sleep quality by reducing nighttime pain and discomfort that hinder rest and recovery.
• Essential Tremor: Since essential tremor can lead to poor sleep due to nighttime shaking or discomfort, seeking timely medical evaluation is essential for preventive management and improved sleep hygiene.
• Insomnia: Insomnia, the struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, can be addressed early to prevent long-term health problems like anxiety, depression, and weakened immunity.
• Primary Central Sleep Apnea: Don't ignore the signs of primary central sleep apnea; addressing this disorder, where your brain doesn't consistently signal your breathing, is key for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Since mental health significantly influences sleep, seeking early intervention for schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders is vital in preventing sleep disruption and improving quality of life.
• Epilepsy: Early detection of epilepsy and appropriate management strategies are crucial for preventing sleep disruptions and improving the quality of life for individuals and their families.
• Primary Insomnia: Primary insomnia, meaning sleep problems not stemming from other health issues, needs attention because it can affect your physical and mental health; managing it effectively is a critical step in preventing long-term health consequences.
• Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder where you experience overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, impacting your daily life and increasing your risk of accidents; early diagnosis and management are key to preventing these risks.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Recognizing and treating sleep difficulties after a concussion is key to preventing PCS from becoming a chronic condition that impacts your quality of life and well-being.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Early detection and management of traumatic brain injuries are essential to minimize the risk of developing sleep disorders.
• Dementia: Protecting your brain health through better sleep can significantly reduce your risk of developing dementia later in life.
• Seizure Disorders: Proper diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders are vital to minimizing the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Hendrik Dinkla offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: Take a proactive step towards better sleep by undergoing a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test, which helps identify hearing problems that might be contributing to your sleep disturbances.
• Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: A deep brain stimulation evaluation helps determine if this advanced treatment could effectively manage your sleep disorder and improve your overall health.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): An EEG is a key diagnostic tool to uncover the underlying causes of your sleep difficulties, paving the way for effective treatment and improved sleep quality.
• Evoked Potential Test: To prevent long-term sleep problems, consider an evoked potential test; it assesses your brain's electrical activity, which can reveal the root cause of sleep disturbances.
• Home Sleep Study: Prevent future health issues by participating in a home sleep study; this straightforward test can reveal underlying sleep disorders, leading to better health and improved quality of life.
• ImPACT Testing: Protect your sleep quality and cognitive function by getting ImPACT testing, which screens for the effects of head injuries that can disrupt your sleep patterns.
• Memory Evaluation: Take a proactive step toward better sleep and sharper thinking. A memory evaluation can uncover underlying sleep-related issues impacting your cognitive function.
• Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): Taking a proactive step with a Quantitative Sensory Test (QST) allows for early detection of nerve problems that may be affecting your sleep quality and overall health.
• Sleep Study: A sleep study is a test that helps doctors identify sleep disorders like apnea or insomnia, allowing for early intervention and preventing serious health problems down the line.
• Wada Test: Taking a proactive step towards epilepsy surgery, the Wada test helps doctors understand which side of your brain controls speech to minimize risks during surgery.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Sleep Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Hendrik Dinkla is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By addressing potential carpal tunnel syndrome early through a proactive sleep plan, a patient experienced significantly reduced nighttime pain, improving their overall sleep quality and enabling a more restful recovery.
• By scheduling a sleep consultation, a patient proactively addressed potential sleep disruptions from essential tremor, gaining valuable insights into preventive strategies and improved sleep quality. This early intervention significantly reduced their anxiety about future tremor-related sleep challenges.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Sleep Medicine care with Dr. Hendrik Dinkla:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has specialized training in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Often with backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, they bring a unique perspective to identifying the root cause of your sleep problems.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and why is it a health risk?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blocked airway. Untreated OSA is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment is a critical step in preventing these serious long-term complications.

What happens during a sleep study (polysomnogram)?

During a sleep study, we monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements overnight. This non-invasive test provides a comprehensive picture of your sleep patterns, allowing us to accurately diagnose sleep disorders and create a personalized prevention plan. It's the gold standard for sleep disorder diagnosis.

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers gentle, constant air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing breathing pauses. This therapy helps restore healthy sleep and protect your heart.

How does an Otolaryngologist (ENT) help with sleep problems?

An ENT, or otolaryngologist, is a surgeon specializing in the ear, nose, and throat. They can identify and surgically correct physical blockages, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, that may be causing snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes offering a permanent solution.

Can lifestyle changes like weight loss help sleep apnea?

Yes, significantly. Excess weight can narrow the airway, and for many patients, even a moderate amount of weight loss can dramatically reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea, preventing the need for other therapies.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists, like Dr. Dinkla, specialize in the brain and nervous system. They are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat sleep disorders that originate in the brain's control centers, such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias.

My partner says I act out my dreams. Should I be concerned?

We understand your concern. Acting out dreams can sometimes be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), which, while treatable, can sometimes be an early indicator of other neurological conditions. A consultation with Dr. Dinkla is important to evaluate this and ensure your safety during sleep. Effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms.

742 W Plymouth Ave
Deland FL 32720
Phone: (386) 734-5268

Dr. Hendrik Dinkla, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1407899560

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Sleep Medicine like Dr. Hendrik Dinkla are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your sleep medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.