Patients with dislodged otoliths are advised to seek prompt medical attention for formal otolith repositioning treatment, which can be supplemented with sedative and anti-vertigo medications to control the symptoms, and to take rest and avoid excessive head activities during acute attacks.
Otoliths are dislodged from their original location into the semicircular canals, irritating the semicircular canals and causing the patient to experience vertigo. The main treatment is to restore the otolith in the semicircular canals to its original position through manipulation or machine reset, so as to relieve the symptoms of vertigo.
However, it is important to note that prior to repositioning the otolith, a varus test and vestibular function test are required to determine which one of the semicircular canals has the otolith in it. The symptoms of otolithiasis are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which is also self-limiting.
After the otolith has been dislodged, a process of intense vertigo is experienced and the otolith is gradually absorbed. This process usually takes 1-2 months, during which the vertigo is gradually relieved as the otolith is absorbed.