What are the symptoms of otolithiasis?
Under normal circumstances, symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) include dizziness, nausea, sleep disturbances, nystagmus, vomiting, and others. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The details are as follows:
1. Dizziness
Dizziness is one of the typical symptoms of BPPV. It usually occurs with changes in head position, such as lying down, sitting up, or rolling over, especially upon getting up in the morning. The dizziness may be brief, but can last from several seconds to several minutes.
2. Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom of BPPV. It may occur simultaneously with dizziness or slightly afterward. Nausea may result from autonomic nervous system responses triggered by dizziness, or may be caused directly by abnormal inner ear structures stimulating the vestibular nerve.
3. Sleep Disturbances
BPPV may also lead to sleep disturbances. This could be due to dizziness and nausea affecting sleep quality, or may stem from psychological stress and anxiety experienced by the patient.
4. Nystagmus
Nystagmus is another common symptom of BPPV. It typically occurs during episodes of dizziness and manifests as rapid, involuntary eye movements. The direction of nystagmus may be the same as or opposite to the direction of dizziness. It may last for several seconds to minutes but usually resolves once dizziness subsides.
5. Vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom of BPPV, particularly during episodes of dizziness. Like nausea, it may result from autonomic nervous system reactions triggered by dizziness or from direct stimulation of the vestibular nerve due to inner ear abnormalities.
After diagnosis of BPPV, patients may take medications such as mecobalamin tablets, betahistine hydrochloride tablets, or flunarizine hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician. In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a positive mindset, avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, get adequate rest, and develop healthy lifestyle habits.
