Most people have experienced "dizziness" in daily life—when getting up, turning over, tilting the head, or exercising. Today, we focus on
vertigo, a sensation often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms. Patients may visit gastroenterology (for vomiting), orthopedics (for cervical issues), cardiology (for hypertension), neurology, or other departments before being referred to ENT. Misguided consultations lead to unnecessary costs and delayed treatment.
First, understand the differences among three types of dizziness:
Lightheadedness: A persistent foggy or muddled feeling.
Dizziness: Intermittent unsteadiness during movement or visual tasks.
Vertigo: A sudden illusion of self or surroundings spinning, swaying, or tilting. It may last seconds to minutes, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, and balance issues.
BPPV: The Most Common Cause of Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) accounts for
17%–22% of vertigo cases. It predominantly affects women, increases with age, and can be familial.
Classic Symptoms:
Sudden spinning sensations when sitting up, lying down, or turning in bed.
Triggered by head movements (e.g., looking up or down).
If you experience these, consult an ENT specialist—not other departments.
"Stones" in the Ear
Patients often ask: "How can there be stones in the ear?"
These "stones" are
otoconia—tiny calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear’s vestibular system. Under a microscope, they appear as gray particles that help sense linear acceleration (e.g., staying upright during sudden stops).
Why Do Otoconia Cause Vertigo?
When otoconia detach (due to head trauma, infections, or inner ear issues), they disrupt the
vestibular system—the body’s primary balance mechanism. The brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, muscles, and inner ear, triggering vertigo.
Key Features of BPPV:
Episodes last
seconds to <1 minute.
Occurs only with specific head positions.
Treating BPPV
BPPV is
highly treatable. While it may resolve spontaneously over months/years, active treatment is recommended to restore quality of life.
Repositioning Maneuvers:
Epley or Semont maneuvers: Manual head movements to guide otoconia back to their correct position.
Mechanical repositioning chairs: For precise, automated adjustments.
Success Rates:
Over
90% recover after 1–2 sessions.
Rare cases require additional therapies.
Prevention and Care
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Maintain a balanced diet and adequate rest.
Seek prompt ENT evaluation for vertigo—
early treatment prevents complications.
With rising stress and an aging population, BPPV is increasingly common. Prioritize ear health to keep life steady!
