Severe dizziness, thought to be a stroke, turned out to be due to 'ear stones'.

SKĐS - Dizziness is a common symptom that can occur at all ages and is caused by many different factors.

However, in reality, there are cases where severe dizziness stems from a benign condition that can be effectively treated if detected early, typically benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), also known as "ear stones".

CONTENT::

• Hospitalized due to severe dizziness, suspected stroke.
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is easily mistaken for other conditions.
• Typical symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
• The difference between dizziness caused by 'ear stones' and stroke.
• Doctor's advice

Hospitalized due to severe dizziness, suspected stroke.

Recently, at Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, the Stroke Center admitted a 63-year-old patient who presented with severe dizziness immediately after waking up. The patient described feeling like "everything was spinning," particularly noticeable when changing positions such as sitting up or turning their head, accompanied by nausea.

Fearing this might be a sign of a stroke, the family immediately took the patient to the emergency room. However, a CT scan of the brain revealed no lesions, thus ruling out this dangerous cause. After a thorough examination and specialized tests, the doctors determined that the patient was suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Patients are treated with the Epley maneuver – a non-drug method that helps move ear stones back into their proper position. After the intervention, symptoms improve significantly, and patients can resume almost normal activities.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is easily mistaken for other conditions.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the most common causes of vertigo in clinical practice. It occurs when small calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear break off and migrate into the semicircular canals.

Normally, these crystals are located in the utricle and play a crucial role in sensing gravity and maintaining balance. However, when they are displaced, especially into the posterior semicircular canals, changes in head position cause the crystals to move abnormally, stimulating the vestibular system.

As a result, the brain receives erroneous signals about movement, causing a strong sensation of dizziness and loss of balance, even though the body is not actually moving accordingly.

Several factors increase the risk of this condition. Among them, age is the leading cause due to the natural degeneration process that makes the calcium crystal structure less stable.

In addition, several other factors can also contribute to the disease, such as:

• Head injuries, even minor ones;
  
• Vitamin D deficiency affects calcium metabolism;
  
• Inner ear inflammation or vestibular neuritis;
  
• After ear, nose, and throat surgery or maxillofacial surgery;
  
• Vestibular disorder of unknown cause.
  

Notably, there are quite a few cases where the disease appears spontaneously without a specific cause being identified.

Typical symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BRI) often presents with characteristic symptoms but can easily be mistaken for more serious neurological conditions. Patients may experience symptoms such as:

• A feeling of intense dizziness, especially when changing head position;
  
• Loss of balance, inability to stand steadily;
  
• Nausea or vomiting;
  
• Blurred vision, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
  
• A feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness.

Dizziness caused by "ear stones" often occurs when changing posture.

Dizziness episodes are usually short-lived, lasting only a few tens of seconds to less than a minute, and then resolve on their own. However, they can recur many times, significantly affecting daily life and increasing the risk of falls, especially in the elderly.

The difference between dizziness caused by 'ear stones' and stroke.

It's important to note that dizziness can occur in both benign vestibular disorders and strokes. Therefore, differentiating between these two conditions is crucial.

Dizziness caused by "ear stones" usually appears when changing posture and is not accompanied by weakness or paralysis of the limbs or speech disorders. In contrast, stroke is often accompanied by focal neurological signs such as:

• Difficulty speaking, speech impediment;
  
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body;
  
• Vision loss or double vision;
  
• Severe headache;
  
• Disorders of consciousness.
  

If these symptoms appear, the patient needs to be taken to a medical facility immediately for prompt emergency treatment.

The diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is primarily based on symptom assessment and clinical testing.

The good news is that the condition can be treated effectively without medication. The most common method currently is the Epley maneuver – a simple technique that helps return calcium crystals to their original position in the inner ear.

After treatment, most patients improve quickly, with symptoms decreasing or disappearing completely. However, the disease can still recur, so follow-up and re-examinations are necessary.

Doctor's advice

Although it is a benign condition, patients should not be complacent when experiencing dizziness. They should seek medical attention if:

• Severe, recurring dizziness;
  
• Symptoms persist for many hours without improvement;
  
• Along with abnormal symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, difficulty speaking, and loss of consciousness;
  
• Serious falls or loss of balance.
  

Early diagnosis not only leads to effective treatment but also eliminates dangerous causes such as stroke.

In summary: Dizziness is a common symptom but has many underlying causes, ranging from benign to dangerous. The case of the patient above is a clear reminder that not all severe dizziness is a stroke, but it should not be ignored.

To reduce the risk of illness, people should maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D. They should also minimize head injuries and seek early treatment for ear, nose, and throat conditions.

For older adults, changes in posture should be done slowly, avoiding sudden standing up to reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/chong-mat-du-doi-tuong-dot-quy-hoa-ra-do-soi-tai-16926050709183071.htm