{"id":5990,"date":"2024-09-18T14:31:35","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T12:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/?p=5990"},"modified":"2025-08-25T17:22:22","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T15:22:22","slug":"isolierte-otolithenfunktionsstoerung","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/schwindelerkrankungen\/isolierte-otolithenfunktionsstoerung\/","title":{"rendered":"Isolated otolith dysfunction"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vestibular disorders<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Isolated otolith dysfunction<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This information is intended as a general introduction to the topic.<\/i> Since every person is affected differently by balance and dizziness problems, you should consult your doctor for individual advice.<\/i><\/p>

For reasons of readability, the generic masculine form is used and the simultaneous use of the male, female, and diverse (m\/f\/d) forms is omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the personal designations used in this patient information refer to all genders.<\/i><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is isolated otolith dysfunction?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Otolith dysfunction is a generic term for one or more disorders involving the macular organs (sacculus and utriculus). People with otolith dysfunction often have one or more disorders involving another part of the vestibular system.<\/p>

New research suggests that some people may have isolated otolith dysfunction. The usual definition of isolated otolith dysfunction is abnormal function of the macular organs despite normal function of the semicircular canals. Currently, isolated otolith dysfunction is not an officially recognized vestibular disorder. The diagnosis is still controversial.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

The otolith organs are part of the vestibular system in the inner ear. This system consists of 10 structures - 3 semicircular canals and 2 macular organs in each ear. The information from these balance sensors is transmitted from the inner ear to the brain via the vestibulocochlear nerve (8th cranial nerve). The brain processes this information so that you can remain upright when standing or moving.<\/p>

The three semicircular canals - the anterior, posterior and horizontal - are at right angles to each other. They function like a gyroscope to detect different types of rotational movements of the head (e.g. when you bend down to pick something up or turn your head to look over your shoulder).<\/p>

The otolith organs consist of two sac-like structures, the sacculus and the utriculus. The otolith organs detect gravity and movement in all directions. They signal to the brain when your head is tilted. This helps you to stay upright and balanced when walking. The otolith organs also detect changes in speed during linear movements (linear acceleration) - for example, when you accelerate or brake in a car. The utriculus is located horizontally in the inner ear and mainly perceives horizontal movements. The sacculus is located vertically and mainly perceives vertical movements. The sacculus also provides information about the position of your head, even if it is not moving.<\/p>

The otoliths have the shape of crystals of a chandelier and hang on the walls of the otolith organs. They are microscopic crystals of calcium carbonate that lie on a gelatinous membrane. When you tilt your head, the crystals accelerate in relation to the hair cells on which they lie. The upper and lower parts of the hair cells move in opposite directions (shear force). This movement is recognized by the hair cells and sent to your brain as information about your head position and movement.<\/p>

New research suggests that the otolith organs may also play a role in spatial orientation (where your body is in relation to your surroundings) and memory.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Summary<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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