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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How to deal with tinnitus caused by otolithiasis?

Otolithiasis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, with clinical symptoms mainly manifested as vertigo. Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting, but it generally does not lead to tinnitus. There are many causes of tinnitus, with neurological causes being common, and it may also be due to inflammatory responses. Therefore, after the occurrence of otolithiasis accompanied by tinnitus, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist. Tests such as positional experiments, audiometric testing, and endoscopic examination of the ear can help determine the specific cause of the disease and the extent of the condition, after which targeted treatment can be administered. Regular follow-ups are needed during the treatment process to monitor the effects.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is otolithiasis treated?

Ear stone disease is a relatively common otolaryngological disorder, clinically known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It is primarily characterized by short episodes of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting that occur with changes in body position, typically lasting about 10 seconds. The symptoms of vertigo quickly disappear once the body position is stabilized. In terms of treatment, manual repositioning therapy is initially considered and is generally effective for most patients. If manual therapy alone does not yield satisfactory results, treatment using a mechanical rotating chair may be considered. Additionally, some patients may consider oral medication. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention might be necessary.

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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
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Does otolithiasis require surgery?

Otolithiasis is a relatively common ENT disorder, clinically referred to as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Generally speaking, most patients do not require surgery. Currently, the primary consideration is manual repositioning treatment, after which many patients can recover quickly. If the results of the manual repositioning treatment are not satisfactory, machine-assisted repositioning or oral medication can be considered. After these comprehensive treatments, most patients are able to recover. If there are a few patients who do not respond to the standard treatments mentioned above, then surgical treatment may be considered. The main surgery commonly used is the canal plugging surgery, which requires general anesthesia and inpatient surgery, and overall, the surgery is relatively difficult.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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For vertigo, register at the Department of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat).

Otolithiasis, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is primarily caused by abnormalities in the vestibular semicircular canals. It is a common condition with a relatively high incidence in clinical settings. It is generally recommended to consult either an otolaryngology or neurology department, as both are equipped to handle this condition. There are several treatment methods available, with manual repositioning treatment being the preferred first choice. Most patients can recover after undergoing manual repositioning treatment. For a small portion of patients who do not respond well to manual repositioning, machine repositioning chairs can be considered, in conjunction with pharmacological treatment. However, for a very small group of patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical treatment may need to be considered.