Is otolithiasis serious?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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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 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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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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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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Difference between Vertigo and Otolithiasis

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.