Can otolithiasis be treated with surgery?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Ear stone disease is referred to as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common otolaryngological condition of the inner ear, primarily presenting as vertigo. The treatment mainly involves manual or mechanical repositioning of the otoliths. After repositioning, self-functional exercises are conducted along with pharmacological treatments to alleviate or mitigate residual symptoms. For cases of ear stone disease with severe symptoms or complex conditions where manual repositioning is insufficient, or if the BPPV is a secondary condition accompanying other inner ear diseases, surgical interventions may be considered, such as inner ear drug injections or semicircular canal occlusion. These surgical methods are considered last-resort options, not first-line treatments.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about otolithiasis?

Ear stone disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is a common otolaryngologic condition. The main clinical manifestation is positional vertigo related to changes in body position, which generally lasts for a short duration, about a few seconds. The vertigo symptoms quickly disappear after the head is stabilized, and there are no accompanying symptoms such as tinnitus, headaches, dizziness, or hearing loss. In terms of treatment, manual repositioning is the first choice, and most patients can recover directly after undergoing manual repositioning treatment. A small number of patients may need to consider machine repositioning or oral medication treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Can young people get otolithiasis?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) can occur in anyone, regardless of time or age. There are many causes of BPPV, which are generally related to staying up late, fatigue, poor rest, and high mental stress. It can suddenly cause dizziness, usually triggered when turning over or twisting the head. It is clinically known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. During an episode, patients may experience severe dizziness, along with severe nausea and vomiting, but there is no hearing loss or tinnitus. The duration of dizziness does not exceed one minute and often resolves on its own. If dizziness recurs, it is necessary to visit a hospital for detailed examinations like electronystagmography, caloric tests, and glycerol tests for diagnosis. For treatment, BPPV requires provocatory and repositioning maneuvers to gradually improve. Regular physical exercise can also help prevent recurrent episodes.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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symptoms of post-vestibular neuritis

The symptoms of the sequelae of vestibular lithiasis are quite varied, with common symptoms including dizziness, a sensation of heaviness in the head and lightness in the feet, and a floating feeling when walking. Some patients may also experience nausea and vomiting, with substantial individual variation in symptoms. Generally, recovery can gradually occur about one to two weeks after the onset of the condition. For patients with more pronounced symptoms, oral medication treatment may need to be considered, requiring regular follow-up during the treatment process to monitor the effects. Overall, with timely medical treatment, the condition should gradually improve, although fluctuations may occur. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does otolithiasis cause headaches?

Ear stone disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, has two types: primary ear stone disease and secondary ear stone disease. Clinically, ear stone disease mainly manifests as vertigo, as well as symptoms of the vestibular system or autonomic nervous system caused by vertigo, such as nausea and vomiting. Patients with ear stone disease rarely or almost never experience headaches. If headache symptoms are present, they are often accompanied by other diseases, such as hypertension, intracranial lesions, etc. These conditions can also cause ear stone disease, which are referred to as secondary ear stone disease as mentioned above. Therefore, if a patient with ear stone disease develops headache symptoms, active examination should be undertaken to avoid missing other lesions.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should be paid attention to in daily life with otolithiasis?

Patients with ear stone disease should pay attention to the following aspects in daily life: The first is to avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue; The second is not to look down at the phone or computer for long periods to avoid cervical spine disease; The third is to avoid external impacts to the head or substantial external pressure, as these could potentially cause a recurrence of ear stone disease; The fourth, even after treatment has ended, regular follow-ups are essential to monitor any changes in the condition; The fifth suggestion is to undergo an MRI of the head to check for any intracranial abnormalities. Overall, most patients with ear stone disease respond well to timely treatment.