How is otolithiasis treated?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Otolithiasis, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is primarily caused by abnormalities in the vestibular semicircular canals. It is a common condition with a relatively high incidence in clinical settings. It is generally recommended to consult either an otolaryngology or neurology department, as both are equipped to handle this condition. There are several treatment methods available, with manual repositioning treatment being the preferred first choice. Most patients can recover after undergoing manual repositioning treatment. For a small portion of patients who do not respond well to manual repositioning, machine repositioning chairs can be considered, in conjunction with pharmacological treatment. However, for a very small group of patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical treatment may need to be considered.

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is otolithiasis diagnosed?

Otolith disease is a relatively common otolaryngological disorder, clinically known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. In terms of diagnosis, the first step is to observe clinical symptoms. Otolith disease typically manifests as brief episodes of dizziness, lasting about a few seconds, and is clearly related to changes in body or head position. If the head position is stabilized, the symptoms of dizziness usually disappear quickly, and there is no tinnitus or hearing loss. Additional diagnostic tests can also be conducted, such as positional testing or vestibular function tests. During positional testing, a certain position might trigger a brief episode of dizziness, which helps in identifying the specific semicircular canal involved. In terms of treatment, manual repositioning can be considered, and it is generally quite effective for most patients.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if otolithiasis frequently recurs?

Ear stone disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, primarily manifests as brief episodes of dizziness that can occur with changes in body position. The dizzy spells usually last about ten seconds and tend to quickly subside once the head or body position is stabilized, although recurring episodes are possible. In cases of recurrent attacks, timely treatment is necessary. Currently, the more common treatment method is manual repositioning. Most patients gradually recover after undergoing manual repositioning treatment. If the results of manual repositioning are unsatisfactory, treatment may also include medication and rotary chair repositioning devices. However, a very small portion of patients, who do not respond to standardized conservative treatments, may need to consider surgical options. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)