Clinical Manifestations of Otolithiasis

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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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What are the symptoms of otolithiasis?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), also known as otolithiasis, is most commonly characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo. Typically, these episodes of vertigo are short-lived, lasting just a few seconds, and are closely related to changes in body or head position. Vertigo can be triggered by changes in head position and quickly disappears once the head is stabilized. Furthermore, there are no accompanying symptoms of tinnitus, headache, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Diagnosis can be confirmed through clinical symptoms and positional testing. After diagnosis, manual repositioning treatments can be considered, and most patients respond well to this treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How to treat mild ear stone disease?

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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is otolithiasis treated?

Ear stone disease is a relatively common otolaryngological disorder, clinically known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It is primarily characterized by short episodes of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting that occur with changes in body position, typically lasting about 10 seconds. The symptoms of vertigo quickly disappear once the body position is stabilized. In terms of treatment, manual repositioning therapy is initially considered and is generally effective for most patients. If manual therapy alone does not yield satisfactory results, treatment using a mechanical rotating chair may be considered. Additionally, some patients may consider oral medication. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention might be necessary.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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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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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.