What should be noted about vertigo due to ear stones?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on January 31, 2025
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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common and frequently occurring disorder in the field of otolaryngology, primarily causing symptoms such as dizziness, a spinning sensation, nausea, and vomiting. When these symptoms of dizziness occur, it is important to timely find a sofa or bed to lie down or sit on to prevent falls and potential injuries. The episodes of BPPV usually last a short duration, often resolving within one to two minutes on their own. If the episodes are prolonged and recurrent, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Initial diagnostic evaluations such as MRI of the head and high-resolution CT of the temporal bone should be conducted to rule out inner ear disorders and intracranial tumors as possible causes of the vertigo. Once diagnosed, a specialist can perform repositioning maneuvers to treat BPPV, helping the patient return to normal.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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How to reposition otoliths in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Otolithiasis is a common ENT disorder that causes vertigo in patients and is also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The condition occurs when otoliths detach from the utricular macula and enter the horizontal and anterior semicircular canals, leading to symptoms of irritation in the semicircular canals, causing nausea, vomiting, spinning vision, and cold sweats among other related symptoms. The primary treatment for otolithiasis involves manual repositioning. This method requires the patient to lie flat on a bed, where the position of the Eustachian tube and the fallen otoliths are assessed to facilitate movement and allow the otoliths to return to the normal utricular macula position, thereby improving the patient's symptoms.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about otolithiasis?

Ear stone disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is a common otolaryngologic condition. The main clinical manifestation is positional vertigo related to changes in body position, which generally lasts for a short duration, about a few seconds. The vertigo symptoms quickly disappear after the head is stabilized, and there are no accompanying symptoms such as tinnitus, headaches, dizziness, or hearing loss. In terms of treatment, manual repositioning is the first choice, and most patients can recover directly after undergoing manual repositioning treatment. A small number of patients may need to consider machine repositioning or oral medication treatment.

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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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Clinical Manifestations of Otolithiasis

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a relatively common ENT disorder, clinically characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo associated with changes in body or head position. Typically, vertigo can be induced when the head is tilted toward a certain direction, but the duration of vertigo is brief, usually disappearing within a few seconds once the head position is stabilized. However, it tends to recur and does not accompany tinnitus, hearing loss, or headaches. Therefore, it is necessary to consult an ENT or neurology department, allowing experienced doctors to make a targeted assessment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can otolithiasis heal itself?

Otolithiasis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease, clinically referred to as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This condition is mainly caused by lesions in the inner ear, vestibule, or semicircular canals. Some patients may recover on their own, but regular follow-ups are needed during the recovery period to monitor changes in the condition. If clinical symptoms are severe and recur frequently, it is recommended to actively seek timely treatment. Currently, manual repositioning therapy is commonly used. However, if manual repositioning therapy is not effective for some patients, mechanical chair repositioning may be an option. Additionally, some patients may need to combine treatment with medications. However, a very small number of patients who do not respond to conservative treatment may need to consider surgery.