13 Dec Ear stone symptoms: How otholites manifest themselves

Ear stones can be a real challenge for those affected. These tiny calcium particles in the inner ear play an important role in the sense of balance. However, if they become dislodged and move to another part of the ear, they can cause unpleasant symptoms. Sudden attacks of severe dizziness, severe nausea and/or unsteadiness when walking can be the first signs of this. Below you can find out which symptoms are typical and how we can help you.

What are ear stones?

Ear stones, medically known as otholites, are tiny, calcareous particles in the ear. Inner ear. They are part of the so-called vestibular organ, which is located in the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear. Their main function is to perceive movements of the head and transmit them to the brain. In this way, they help to maintain balance and enable orientation in space.

The otholites sit on a gel-like membrane in the so-called utriculus and sacculus, two special areas of the vestibular organ. When you move your head, the stones move and exert pressure on the underlying sensory cells. This movement is converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain.

Problems can arise when ear stones become dislodged and enter areas of the inner ear where they do not belong - e.g. the semicircular canals. As a result, the sensory cells transmit incorrect signals to the brain. This can trigger so-called benign positional vertigo and more.

Ear stone symptoms: Unpleasant and sometimes frightening

Otholites can cause various symptoms:

Sudden positional vertigo

Normally, sensory hairs and fluid in the semicircular canals of the ear register the movements of the head and send precise signals to the brain. However, when ear stones enter the semicircular canals, they cause additional movements of the fluid, which the brain perceives as contradictory information. This results in the typical spinning sensation that characterises positional vertigo. The Dizziness often occurs suddenly and lasts only a few seconds to minutes.

This worrying symptom is usually triggered by certain head movements such as lying down, standing up, turning in bed or stretching the head. Although this unpleasant dizziness is usually harmless, it can significantly impair quality of life and even increase the risk of falling in some situations.

Uncertainty when walking

Another typical indication that otholites have become detached in the inner ear is gait instability. As part of the vestibular system, ear stones normally ensure that you perceive movements correctly. However, the brain is irritated by the change of location and the associated disturbed signal processing, which can have an effect on your safe gait.

This then becomes wobbly and/or unsteady - especially on uneven ground or when changing direction quickly. Everyday situations can become challenging as a result. Many sufferers develop a fear of losing their balance and falling.

Nausea and vomiting

They are one of the frequent side effects that can be triggered by ear stones. The sensory conflicts with which the brain is confronted often lead to activation of the vomiting centre and thus to nausea and/or vomiting.

The result is a queasy feeling in the stomach, which can intensify when the head moves. These reactions are comparable to travel sickness, where similar contradictions between sensory impressions occur.

Disorientation

The organ of balance in the inner ear normally works closely with the eyes and sensory nerves to accurately detect the position of the body in space. However, the incorrect position of the ear stones results in contradictory information that the brain cannot process correctly.

In some cases, this leads to a feeling of disorientation, which can be characterised by uncertainty when moving, difficulties with spatial perception or even confusion. Those affected are often unable to concentrate on their surroundings as the co-operation between the eyes and the vestibular system is impaired.

Situations such as walking on uneven ground or rapid head movements can increase disorientation.

Diagnosis of ear stones in our ENT clinic in Frankfurt

If you experience the above symptoms and they recur, you should have them examined by an ENT specialist. At our practice clinic in Frankfurt, we usually diagnose ear stones using specific positioning tests. This involves placing your head in certain positions in order to provoke the symptoms and observe the reaction of your vestibular system. Characteristic eye movements, known as nystagmus, are an indication of the incorrect position of the ear stones.

In some cases, we also use further examinations to confirm the diagnosis. This includes, for example, a video analysis of eye movements (Video-ENG).

The tests help to determine the exact location of the ear stones in the semicircular canals of the inner ear so that targeted treatment can be carried out.

Treating the symptoms of ear stones

Ear stones are usually treated using special positioning manoeuvres that return the loosened ear stones to their original position in the organ of balance. A frequently used procedure is the Epley manoeuvre, in which we move your head in a specific sequence to guide the ear stones out of the semicircular canals. In most cases, this can quickly and effectively alleviate the symptoms.

We will also show you exercises that you can do yourself if you feel that the stones have shifted again.

If necessary, anti-dizziness or anti-nausea medication can also be used to control the symptoms. If the symptoms persist beyond this, further therapeutic measures or physiotherapy exercises to stabilise balance are advisable.

Ear stones symptoms: Treatment in Frankfurt

Diagnosis and treatment of ear stones require experience and targeted methods to effectively alleviate the symptoms. The team at our ENT practice clinic Goethe10 in Frankfurt has extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders, positional vertigo and the like.

With modern Examination procedure and customised treatment methods, we can alleviate your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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