How to treat mild ear stone disease?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on December 29, 2024
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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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What should be noted about vertigo due to ear stones?

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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Is hyperbaric oxygen effective for otolithiasis?

Ear stone disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, does not recommend the use of hyperbaric oxygen for treatment, as the treatment effect of hyperbaric oxygen is not good for ear stone disease and is not clinically recommended. Patients with ear stone disease may consider manual repositioning treatment, which generally has a good treatment effect, and most patients are able to recover. If the manual repositioning treatment is not effective, oral medication may be considered in combination with machine chair repositioning. Through this comprehensive treatment, vertigo symptoms can generally be gradually controlled and alleviated. However, there are a small number of patients with severe conditions for whom conservative treatment is ineffective, and surgery may need to be considered.