Home HealthTopics Health Centers Reference Library Research
Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook Share on Facebook
Share

Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Ear Crystals

11/02/2010

Question:

I have been very dizzy and alot of other symptoms. I had it for 3-4 months then it got realy bad over a month so I went to my GP and he told me that I have crystals in my inner ear. Can you give me some information on ear cyrstals?

Answer:

"Inner ear crystals" are probably referring to benign positional vertigo. In this condition, there are microscopic particles ("crystals") that become dislodged in the inner ear, and specific movements or positions will result in these crystals moving in the inner ear and causing symptoms of vertigo. Most of the time, this process resolves on its own and the symptoms gradually fade away. A specific therapeutic maneuver (Epley Maneuver) is commonly performed in an Otolaryngologist's office and can relieve the vertigo almost immediately.

For more information:

Go to the Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Daniel Choo, MD Daniel Choo, MD
Associate Professor and Director, Division of Otology/Neurotology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati