What should I do if otolithiasis frequently recurs?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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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 Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can otolithiasis heal by itself?

Otolithiasis is a relatively common ENT disease, clinically known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The main clinical manifestation is vertigo related to changes in body position, but the duration of vertigo is relatively short. Generally, once the head position is stabilized, the vertigo symptoms quickly disappear, and there is no tinnitus or hearing loss. In terms of treatment, a small portion of patients can recover on their own, especially when the symptoms are not particularly noticeable and the condition is not particularly severe, allowing for possible self-recovery. However, if self-recovery is not possible or if clinical symptoms are more severe, timely manual repositioning treatment is recommended. After manual repositioning treatment, most patients can quickly recover and relieve their vertigo symptoms.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of otolithiasis?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), also known as otolithiasis, is most commonly characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo. Typically, these episodes of vertigo are short-lived, lasting just a few seconds, and are closely related to changes in body or head position. Vertigo can be triggered by changes in head position and quickly disappears once the head is stabilized. Furthermore, there are no accompanying symptoms of tinnitus, headache, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Diagnosis can be confirmed through clinical symptoms and positional testing. After diagnosis, manual repositioning treatments can be considered, and most patients respond well to this treatment.

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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 Li Rui
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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.