What is otolithic vertigo?

Otolithic vertigo is a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo caused by a dislodged otolith in the inner ear. The otolith is usually located in the otolithic membrane, which is one of the vital organs that control the body’s balance. In patients with otolithiasis, this symptom of positional vertigo can be induced when the position of the head movement changes. The vertigo usually does not last very long, usually less than a minute. If the head position is kept still, the vertigo gradually resolves on its own. Otolithic vertigo is usually not accompanied by ear pain, tinnitus, or hearing loss, and only a small number of patients experience autonomic disturbances such as nausea and vomiting. Although otolithic vertigo is self-limiting, it may be prone to recurrence after cure. For the treatment of otolithic vertigo, different doctors will choose the appropriate otolith repositioning maneuver for different types of vertigo. Medications such as iproniazid and betahistine can also be taken to improve the symptoms of vertigo under the supervision of a doctor.