Difference between Vertigo and Otolithiasis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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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 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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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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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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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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What should be paid attention to with otolithiasis?

Clinically, ear stone syndrome is referred to as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Concerning this condition, the following points should be noted: Firstly, active treatment is essential, primarily involving manual or mechanical repositioning, as well as functional exercises after repositioning; this is mandatory. Secondly, safety precautions must be taken. Patients with ear stone syndrome should not be near the edges of high buildings or ponds to prevent unforeseen accidents that could be triggered by sudden bouts of vertigo. Thirdly, dietary habits are important. The diet should be light, and stimulating substances such as tobacco, alcohol, spicy foods, and coffee should be avoided. Lastly, it is important to avoid excessive exercise, particularly activities involving too much spinning.