What is otolithiasis? Causes of otolithiasis

The problem of otolithiasis cannot be ignored. It refers to the rapid movement of the head that causes transient inflammatory symptoms of vertigo in specific parts of the head and tail. It may be caused by viral Meniere's disease, viral labyrinthitis and migraine.

1. Otolithiasis, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo , refers to brief paroxysmal attacks of vertigo and nystagmus that occur when the head moves rapidly to a specific position. Under normal circumstances, otoliths are attached to the otolith membrane. When some pathogenic factors cause the otoliths to detach, these detached otoliths will swim in the fluid called endolymph in the inner ear. When the human head position changes, the semicircular canals also change position. The sunken otoliths will move with the flow of fluid, thereby stimulating the semicircular canal hair cells and causing the body to experience severe vertigo. The time is generally short, from a few seconds to a few minutes, and can periodically worsen or ease. The duration of the disease varies.

2. Generally, it can be divided into two categories , one is idiopathic, called otolith disease, and the other is secondary, which is secondary to Meniere's disease, sudden deafness, viral labyrinthitis, internal auditory artery ischemia, migraine, head trauma, middle ear and inner ear surgery, cochlear implant surgery, ototoxic drug damage, otosclerosis, chronic otitis media and cervical vertigo, etc. The above diseases lead to inflammation or ischemic damage of the semicircular canals and cause the otoliths to fall off.

3. It is more common in middle-aged people, slightly more common in women, with sudden onset and the occurrence of symptoms is often related to certain changes in head or body position. Vertigo symptoms occur when the head position is stimulated (affected ear downward). Nystagmus occurs within 3 to 10 seconds after the head position change, and vertigo often lasts within 60 seconds, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Vertigo may worsen or ease periodically, with no discomfort or dizziness during the intervals. Some patients may feel lightheaded and floating for a long time after an attack of vertigo.