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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a relatively common otolaryngologic condition, with some patients experiencing recurrent episodes. After recurrent episodes occur, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology department for a positional test. This test clarifies the specific location of the affected semicircular canal, and after confirmation, targeted manual repositioning treatments can be conducted. During the treatment process, regular follow-ups are required. At the same time, it is important to protect the head from severe external impacts, avoid vigorous activities in the short term, and ensure adequate rest. Many patients gradually improve and the probability of episodes progressively decreases following these adjustments and treatments.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to treat mild ear stone disease?

Mild ear stone disease can be cured with hospital treatment for ear stone repositioning. Ear stone disease is relatively common clinically. Generally, the symptoms are caused by the movement of ear stones in the semicircular canals, leading to recurrent dizziness in patients. This typically occurs when getting out of bed or turning the head, and the dizziness lasts about one minute. Patients may also experience severe nausea and vomiting, but there is no hearing loss or tinnitus. If dizziness occurs repeatedly, it is necessary to go to the hospital for a detailed examination including electronic otoscopy, electrophysiological hearing test, acoustic impedance testing, calorics test, glycerol test, and nystagmography to confirm the diagnosis. In terms of treatment, ear stone disease requires stimulation treatment and repositioning treatment for cure. After repositioning, patients also need to adjust their diet and mindset, and avoid vigorous exercise to prevent recurrence.

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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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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.