What should I do if vertigo causes uncontrollable vomiting?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on July 01, 2025
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When symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), such as persistent vomiting, occur, the first step should be to perform a repositioning treatment of the otoliths, which can gradually lead to improvement.

BPPV is a common and frequently occurring disease in the field of otolaryngology, generally caused by the movement of otoliths in the semicircular canals. This condition may lead to the patient experiencing repeated episodes of vertigo, typically triggered by rolling over or getting out of bed. The vertigo is intense, feels like the world is spinning, and lasts no more than one minute. It is also accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, but there is no hearing loss or tinnitus. To diagnose BPPV, detailed examinations with an electronystagmograph, audiometry, and videonystagmography at a hospital are necessary.

For treatment, otolith activation and repositioning treatments are required and are generally effective. Additionally, after treatment, it is important to adjust sleeping patterns, take sufficient rest, avoid overexertion and staying up late, to gradually improve, and prevent recurrent episodes.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Precautions for sleeping posture with otolithiasis

Benign positional vertigo is a relatively common ENT disease. It is advised not to sleep on the affected side, as this may trigger an acute episode of the condition, leading to temporary dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may also experience palpitations, increased blood pressure, and accelerated heart rate. Most patients need to visit an ENT department after the onset, where a repositioning test can be conducted to identify the specific location of the lesion in the semicircular canals. Once identified, targeted manual repositioning treatment can be administered. After this treatment, the condition generally improves gradually.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is medication effective for treating otolithiasis?

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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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The difference between otolithiasis and Ménière's disease

The main difference between BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) and Meniere's Disease lies in their symptoms and causes. BPPV primarily manifests as episodes of dizziness due to dislodged otoconia moving into the semicircular canals, leading to vestibular irritation. On the other hand, Meniere's Disease presents a group of symptoms including vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus, thought to be caused by fluid accumulation in the labyrinth, triggering labyrinthine irritation.

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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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Does otolithiasis cause tinnitus?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a relatively common otolaryngological condition characterized by vertigo that does not involve tinnitus and is associated with changes in body position. The duration of the vertigo is typically very short, usually around 10 seconds, and the symptoms disappear once the head or body position is stabilized. There are no accompanying symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss. In terms of treatment, the first choice is usually manual repositioning, which is effective for most patients. If manual repositioning does not yield satisfactory results, treatment may involve using a rotary chair in conjunction with medication. If these methods are ineffective, surgical treatment might be considered.