Difference between Vertigo and Otolithiasis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 11, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
53sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
47sec home-news-image

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition related to dizziness.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, clinically referred to as benign, paroxysmal, positional vertigo. It primarily occurs when tiny particles enter the semicircular canals, and with changes in body position, it can easily trigger episodes of vertigo. Generally, the duration of vertigo is quite brief, lasting about several seconds, and the symptoms of vertigo quickly disappear after the body or head is stabilized. However, it tends to be recurrent and generally does not accompany symptoms like tinnitus, headache, or hearing loss. Currently, a common treatment is manual repositioning, which helps most patients recover and alleviate their condition after being performed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
40sec home-news-image

Does vertigo cause vomiting?

Ear stone disease is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, with dizziness being the most common clinical symptom, and some patients may experience vomiting. This is mainly due to severe dizziness symptoms leading to nausea and vomiting. Generally, symptoms will gradually improve after the acute onset, but symptoms can be triggered again when the body or head position is changed to a certain posture. After the onset of the disease, it is necessary to visit the otolaryngology department as soon as possible. Manual repositioning treatment can be considered, and regular follow-up is required during the treatment process, as some patients may experience a recurrence of the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
45sec home-news-image

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.)