Difference between Vertigo and Otolithiasis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Vertigo encompasses a broader concept, including conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Any disease that can cause patients to experience symptoms such as dizziness, spinning sensations, nausea, and vomiting, can be referred to as vertigo. BPPV is simply one common cause of vertigo. It primarily results from otoconia forming in the vestibule's semicircular canals or the utricle and saccule. These otoconia shift with head movements, disrupting the inner ear's lymph fluid, leading to transient episodes of vertigo closely related to body position changes. These episodes, lasting several seconds, can be completely alleviated and are considered a type of vertigo. Additionally, vertigo includes diseases like vestibular neuronitis and Ménière's disease. Therefore, the concept of vertigo is quite broad, and it is crucial to accurately diagnose the cause of vertigo in clinical practice to provide targeted treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does otolithiasis require hospitalization?

Most patients with vestibular neuritis do not need hospitalization. Only in cases where the condition is particularly severe and has significantly impacted normal life, is hospitalization considered. The symptoms of vestibular neuritis are generally short-lived, with most patients experiencing transient vertigo related to changes in body position. When the body position is stabilized, the vertigo symptoms quickly alleviate. Therefore, outpatient treatment is generally considered, where a repositioning test can be conducted during the outpatient visit to identify the specific affected semicircular canal. Once identified, targeted manual repositioning treatment can be administered, with regular follow-ups needed to monitor the treatment effects.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if otolithiasis frequently recurs?

Ear stone disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, primarily manifests as brief episodes of dizziness that can occur with changes in body position. The dizzy spells usually last about ten seconds and tend to quickly subside once the head or body position is stabilized, although recurring episodes are possible. In cases of recurrent attacks, timely treatment is necessary. Currently, the more common treatment method is manual repositioning. Most patients gradually recover after undergoing manual repositioning treatment. If the results of manual repositioning are unsatisfactory, treatment may also include medication and rotary chair repositioning devices. However, a very small portion of patients, who do not respond to standardized conservative treatments, may need to consider surgical options. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Clinical Manifestations of Otolithiasis

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a relatively common ENT disorder, clinically characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo associated with changes in body or head position. Typically, vertigo can be induced when the head is tilted toward a certain direction, but the duration of vertigo is brief, usually disappearing within a few seconds once the head position is stabilized. However, it tends to recur and does not accompany tinnitus, hearing loss, or headaches. Therefore, it is necessary to consult an ENT or neurology department, allowing experienced doctors to make a targeted assessment.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Difference between Vertigo and Otolithiasis

Vertigo encompasses a broader concept, including conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Any disease that can cause patients to experience symptoms such as dizziness, spinning sensations, nausea, and vomiting, can be referred to as vertigo. BPPV is simply one common cause of vertigo. It primarily results from otoconia forming in the vestibule's semicircular canals or the utricle and saccule. These otoconia shift with head movements, disrupting the inner ear's lymph fluid, leading to transient episodes of vertigo closely related to body position changes. These episodes, lasting several seconds, can be completely alleviated and are considered a type of vertigo. Additionally, vertigo includes diseases like vestibular neuronitis and Ménière's disease. Therefore, the concept of vertigo is quite broad, and it is crucial to accurately diagnose the cause of vertigo in clinical practice to provide targeted treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Is otolithiasis serious?

Otolithiasis, also known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), is generally not very serious. Most patients can control and alleviate the condition through timely manual repositioning treatments, but the condition may recur. A small number of patients have severe conditions where manual repositioning treatments are not effective. For these cases, machine chair repositioning combined with drug treatment can be considered, and most patients can recover. Only a small number of patients with severe conditions, where repositioning treatments are ineffective and recurring episodes significantly impact daily life, might consider undergoing surgical treatment. Currently, the commonly used technique is semicircular canal occlusion, which generally has good therapeutic effects.