How is otolithiasis diagnosed?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

Otolith disease is a relatively common otolaryngological disorder, clinically known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. In terms of diagnosis, the first step is to observe clinical symptoms. Otolith disease typically manifests as brief episodes of dizziness, lasting about a few seconds, and is clearly related to changes in body or head position. If the head position is stabilized, the symptoms of dizziness usually disappear quickly, and there is no tinnitus or hearing loss. Additional diagnostic tests can also be conducted, such as positional testing or vestibular function tests. During positional testing, a certain position might trigger a brief episode of dizziness, which helps in identifying the specific semicircular canal involved. In terms of treatment, manual repositioning can be considered, and it is generally quite effective for most patients.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
40sec home-news-image

Does vertigo cause vomiting?

Ear stone disease is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, with dizziness being the most common clinical symptom, and some patients may experience vomiting. This is mainly due to severe dizziness symptoms leading to nausea and vomiting. Generally, symptoms will gradually improve after the acute onset, but symptoms can be triggered again when the body or head position is changed to a certain posture. After the onset of the disease, it is necessary to visit the otolaryngology department as soon as possible. Manual repositioning treatment can be considered, and regular follow-up is required during the treatment process, as some patients may experience a recurrence of the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
58sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
54sec home-news-image

What medicine should be taken for otolithiasis?

Ear stone syndrome is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, clinically referred to as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The main symptom is brief vertigo that occurs during changes in body position, usually lasting about ten seconds. The vertigo quickly subsides once the body position is stabilized, and there are generally no symptoms of tinnitus or hearing loss. In terms of treatment, medication is not recommended as the first option. Most patients can recover after manual repositioning treatment. If manual repositioning is ineffective, mechanical chair repositioning may be considered. If the condition still does not improve, oral anti-vertigo medications, which inhibit vestibular function and control vertigo, may be considered. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)