Is otolithiasis serious?

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 17, 2024

00:00

00:00

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.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

59sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

43sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

49sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

50sec

home-news-image

What should be paid attention to with otolithiasis?

Clinically, ear stone syndrome is referred to as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Concerning this condition, the following points should be noted: Firstly, active treatment is essential, primarily involving manual or mechanical repositioning, as well as functional exercises after repositioning; this is mandatory. Secondly, safety precautions must be taken. Patients with ear stone syndrome should not be near the edges of high buildings or ponds to prevent unforeseen accidents that could be triggered by sudden bouts of vertigo. Thirdly, dietary habits are important. The diet should be light, and stimulating substances such as tobacco, alcohol, spicy foods, and coffee should be avoided. Lastly, it is important to avoid excessive exercise, particularly activities involving too much spinning.

home-news-image

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.