Otolithiasis is mainly diagnosed by Dix-Hallpike test, roll test, audiologic examination, imaging examination and balance function examination.
1. Dix-Hallpike test: The Dix-Hallpike test is a commonly used technique to detect benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the anterior or posterior hemicircular canal. The doctor can determine whether otolithiasis is present or not based on the characteristics of the nystagmus and the hemicircular canal in which the otolith is located.
2. Rolling test: Rolling test is mainly used to determine benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the outer semicircular canals, which can be determined by the doctor by observing the situation after the nystagmus.
3. Audiological examination: Generally, patients with otolithiasis do not have hearing abnormalities, but if otolithiasis is caused by other otogenic diseases, hearing abnormalities may occur in the affected ear.
4. Imaging: CT or MRI is not a routine test, but is mainly used to assist in the detection of atypical vertigo, except for central disorders.
5. Balance function examination: Balance function examination is mainly performed by describing and analyzing the patient’s posture and gait. Vestibular neuritis and central disorders can be excluded.
After the examination, it is also necessary to identify the patient with other auricular vertigo diseases, such as Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, sudden deafness, etc., under the evaluation of a professional doctor, so that the diagnosis can be clarified and the treatment can be standardized.