Is medication effective for treating otolithiasis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 07, 2024
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Otolithiasis is a relatively common ENT disorder. For treatment, some patients may choose oral medication. After treatment with oral medications, symptoms can gradually be controlled and alleviated for most patients, although individual results may vary. If symptoms of otolithiasis are more pronounced, oral medication alone may not be effective, and manual repositioning treatment should be considered. After manual repositioning treatment, many patients can significantly control symptoms of vertigo, and should then undergo regular follow-up examinations, as some patients may experience recurrent episodes. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Ear stone disease lacks which vitamin

Otolithiasis and lack of vitamins are not related. Otolithiasis is mainly caused by the movement of otoliths in the semicircular canals, and it is also known clinically as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Generally, patients are prone to attacks when turning over, twisting, or turning their heads, which can cause sudden dizziness. The dizziness is described as the sensation of the world spinning and does not last more than one minute, with most cases resolving on their own. During an episode, patients may experience significant nausea and vomiting, but there is no decrease in hearing or tinnitus. It has no relation to vitamin deficiency. It is necessary to go to the hospital for a detailed examination with an electronystagmography, videonystagmography, electrocochleography, caloric tests, and glycerol tests for a definitive diagnosis. In terms of treatment, recurrent otolithiasis needs otolith stimulation and repositioning treatments which have good effects. Additionally, after treatment, it is necessary to adjust sleep and rest, and avoid excessive physical activity to prevent recurrent episodes.

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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 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.