What to do if you have vertigo caused by otolith detachment?

If the otoliths fall off, dizziness will occur, which will cause great pain to the patient. Therefore, of course, we must pay attention to scientific and effective treatment methods. Repositioning treatment methods are more effective, and we must also change bad habits such as getting angry, staying up late, drinking, and smoking.

1. The inner ear of a normal person has a kind of calcium carbonate crystal smaller than a sesame seed, called otolith . Otoliths help us sense the speed and direction of movement. Under normal circumstances, otoliths adhere to the otolith membrane of the saccule and utricle of the inner ear. The latter is an acidic mucopolysaccharide that fixes the otoliths tightly to the saccule and utricle. Therefore, they will not fall off during normal head and body movements. However, in case of trauma or local vascular spasm (which can be induced by anger, staying up late, alcoholism, smoking, fatigue, etc.), the otoliths may fall off, stimulate nerve endings as the head moves, and cause severe dizziness.

2. Although otolithiasis is painful, there are now good treatments. This method does not require medication, has miraculous effects, and can be said to be immediate. This treatment method is called "manual reduction therapy". Specifically, the doctor will give different repositioning treatments according to the different affected parts of the patient. By changing the position of the patient's head, the detached otoliths can be returned to their original place so that they can no longer stimulate the nerve endings, and naturally the patient will not feel dizzy.

3. Therefore, patients with vertigo symptoms should first visit a neurology department to rule out other critical illnesses that require urgent treatment, such as cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, brain tumors, etc. If otolithiasis is confirmed, manual repositioning treatment can be performed. However, due to the lack of understanding of this disease among many neurologists, it is very easy for it to be mistaken for "vertebral basilar artery insufficiency" or "cervical spondylosis". Even if it is referred to the otolaryngology department, it is easy to be misdiagnosed as "Meniere's disease" by young doctors in primary hospitals or large hospitals. Some people went to multiple hospitals and spent tens of thousands of dollars but still could not get a confirmed diagnosis. In fact, otolithiasis can account for 30-50% of daily outpatient vertigo patients, and the misdiagnosis rate is very high. Currently, the medical community, especially neurologists, should strengthen education on otolithiasis.

4. Manual repositioning of otolithiasis usually takes effect once, but some patients may need multiple repositionings to be cured. Generally, outpatient treatment is sufficient, but some cases may require hospitalization for multiple reductions. The patient may experience dizziness and occasionally vomiting when repositioned (a family member must accompany the patient), but these symptoms usually last for a short time without obvious adverse consequences. After successful resetting, you need to rest for half an hour before leaving, and it is forbidden to drive. It is best to avoid lying flat within three days after reduction. It is recommended to sleep on a hard bed and use a buckwheat pillow. Currently, this treatment is available in the neurology and otolaryngology departments of some hospitals. If patients from other places cannot be diagnosed locally, or the bone cannot be correctly repositioned after diagnosis, they can also contact large hospitals for diagnosis and treatment.