How is otolithiasis treated?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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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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What should I do if I have vomiting due to vestibular neuritis?

Otolithiasis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease. Clinically, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may occur. When vomiting occurs, it is essential to ensure rest, avoid external stimuli, and refrain from vigorous exercise. Many patients find their symptoms gradually alleviating after rest. Additionally, a positional test can be conducted to determine the specific location of the lesion in the semicircular canals, followed by targeted manual repositioning treatment. If the condition is severe, with prominent symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, oral anti-vertigo medications may be considered to help control the condition and alleviate symptoms. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if otolithiasis frequently recurs?

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Does otolithiasis cause tinnitus?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a relatively common otolaryngological condition characterized by vertigo that does not involve tinnitus and is associated with changes in body position. The duration of the vertigo is typically very short, usually around 10 seconds, and the symptoms disappear once the head or body position is stabilized. There are no accompanying symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss. In terms of treatment, the first choice is usually manual repositioning, which is effective for most patients. If manual repositioning does not yield satisfactory results, treatment may involve using a rotary chair in conjunction with medication. If these methods are ineffective, surgical treatment might be considered.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to check and confirm otolithiasis

The examination for otolithiasis is usually based on the patient's chief complaint symptoms, as well as by performing positional changes to diagnose. The onset of otolithiasis is caused by the detachment of the otoliths from the utricular macula, falling into the horizontal or superior semicircular canals, thereby triggering vestibular stimulation symptoms. Patients may experience vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats among other related symptoms. Patients with otolithiasis usually have a short duration of illness, with the vertigo disappearing within 30 seconds to two minutes. After diagnosing otolithiasis, manual repositioning is typically required to move the otoliths from the semicircular canals back to the normal utricular macula position, thereby improving the patient's symptoms such as vertigo.