What should I do about otolithiasis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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 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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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Can otolithiasis be treated with surgery?

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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What should be noted about vertigo due to ear stones?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common and frequently occurring disorder in the field of otolaryngology, primarily causing symptoms such as dizziness, a spinning sensation, nausea, and vomiting. When these symptoms of dizziness occur, it is important to timely find a sofa or bed to lie down or sit on to prevent falls and potential injuries. The episodes of BPPV usually last a short duration, often resolving within one to two minutes on their own. If the episodes are prolonged and recurrent, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Initial diagnostic evaluations such as MRI of the head and high-resolution CT of the temporal bone should be conducted to rule out inner ear disorders and intracranial tumors as possible causes of the vertigo. Once diagnosed, a specialist can perform repositioning maneuvers to treat BPPV, helping the patient return to normal.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is hyperbaric oxygen effective for otolithiasis?

Ear stone disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, does not recommend the use of hyperbaric oxygen for treatment, as the treatment effect of hyperbaric oxygen is not good for ear stone disease and is not clinically recommended. Patients with ear stone disease may consider manual repositioning treatment, which generally has a good treatment effect, and most patients are able to recover. If the manual repositioning treatment is not effective, oral medication may be considered in combination with machine chair repositioning. Through this comprehensive treatment, vertigo symptoms can generally be gradually controlled and alleviated. However, there are a small number of patients with severe conditions for whom conservative treatment is ineffective, and surgery may need to be considered.