How to check and confirm otolithiasis

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on May 24, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 1sec home-news-image

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.

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
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

Does otolithiasis require surgery?

Otolithiasis is a relatively common ENT disorder, clinically referred to as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Generally speaking, most patients do not require surgery. Currently, the primary consideration is manual repositioning treatment, after which many patients can recover quickly. If the results of the manual repositioning treatment are not satisfactory, machine-assisted repositioning or oral medication can be considered. After these comprehensive treatments, most patients are able to recover. If there are a few patients who do not respond to the standard treatments mentioned above, then surgical treatment may be considered. The main surgery commonly used is the canal plugging surgery, which requires general anesthesia and inpatient surgery, and overall, the surgery is relatively difficult.