What is otolithiasis?

Otolithiasis is a common inner ear disorder in which patients experience transient episodes of rotational vertigo due to induced changes in head position or body position. Otolithiasis occurs when the otolith in the inner ear is dislodged and enters the semicircular canal, causing strong irritation of the vestibular airways and a sudden onset of vertigo. There are various factors that may cause or affect otolithiasis, including the lack of microcirculation in the inner ear or the deterioration of inner ear function with age, which may lead to otolith dislodgement. Trauma to the ear, inflammation of the middle ear mastoid, or inner ear disease such as sudden deafness or Meniere’s disease may also cause otoliths.