Is the examination for otolithiasis painful?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on February 18, 2025
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Patients with vestibular disorders may experience some discomfort during examination, primarily manifesting as recurrent dizziness. Some patients may also experience nausea and vomiting. However, examination can determine the specific location of the affected semicircular canal. Once the location is identified, targeted manual repositioning treatment can be administered. The preferred treatment currently is manual repositioning, which generally has an ideal therapeutic effect. Most patients show significant improvement after manual repositioning treatment, but there might be recurrent episodes of the condition. In case of recurrence, it is necessary to seek medical advice again and undergo repositioning treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Clinical Manifestations of Otolithiasis

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 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 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 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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symptoms of post-vestibular neuritis

The symptoms of the sequelae of vestibular lithiasis are quite varied, with common symptoms including dizziness, a sensation of heaviness in the head and lightness in the feet, and a floating feeling when walking. Some patients may also experience nausea and vomiting, with substantial individual variation in symptoms. Generally, recovery can gradually occur about one to two weeks after the onset of the condition. For patients with more pronounced symptoms, oral medication treatment may need to be considered, requiring regular follow-up during the treatment process to monitor the effects. Overall, with timely medical treatment, the condition should gradually improve, although fluctuations may occur. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)