Why does otolith disease cause dizziness?
Aug 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of vertigo caused by otolith disorders include head trauma, detachment of otoliths, abnormal inner ear blood circulation, viral labyrinthitis, and Ménière's disease. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a regular hospital. In daily life, one should avoid sudden and vigorous head movements such as rapid turning or bending the head downward, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid excessive fatigue.
Generally, the main causes of vertigo caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) include head trauma, otoconia detachment, abnormal inner ear blood circulation, viral labyrinthitis, and Ménière's disease. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Head Trauma
When the head sustains trauma such as a blow, it may cause otoconia to detach from the otolithic membrane and enter the semicircular canals, which can trigger vertigo during head movements. Resting and avoiding strenuous activity after injury is important. If vertigo occurs frequently, prompt medical attention for otoconia repositioning treatment is necessary.
2. Otoconia Detachment
Otoconia are calcium carbonate crystals located on the surface of the utricle and saccule in the inner ear and normally adhere to the otolithic membrane. If they detach due to aging, excessive vibration, or other reasons and enter the semicircular canals, they can stimulate hair cells during head movement, causing brief episodes of intense vertigo. Doctors can perform otoconia repositioning procedures such as the Epley maneuver or the Semont maneuver to return the otoconia to their original position.
3. Abnormal Inner Ear Blood Circulation
Spasms or insufficient blood supply to the inner ear vessels can affect the normal function of the utricle and saccule, leading to decreased otoconia stability, easy detachment, and subsequent vertigo. In daily life, one should avoid prolonged head-down positions, perform appropriate neck exercises to promote inner ear blood circulation, and may take Ginkgo biloba extract tablets under medical guidance to improve circulation.
4. Viral Labyrinthitis
Viral infection invading the inner ear labyrinth can damage the tissue where otoconia adhere, causing otoconia detachment and affecting vestibular function, thereby inducing vertigo. Under medical guidance, antiviral medications such as acyclovir tablets, ganciclovir capsules, and ribavirin granules can be used, along with vestibular rehabilitation exercises to alleviate symptoms.
5. Ménière's Disease
Ménière's disease causes endolymphatic hydrops in the inner ear membranous labyrinth, affecting otoconia stability and making them prone to detachment, which leads to vertigo. Under medical guidance, medications such as difenidol tablets, betahistine tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets can be used to reduce endolymphatic hydrops in the inner ear and alleviate vertigo symptoms. In severe cases, endolymphatic sac surgery may be considered.
In daily life, one should avoid sudden, vigorous head-turning or head-down movements; ensure adequate sleep and avoid excessive fatigue; engage in appropriate physical exercise to enhance physical fitness; and promptly sit or lie down when experiencing vertigo to prevent falls.
