* Why do crystals move?
The structures known as "crystals" in daily life are actually otoliths. These structures are located in the inner ear (called the utricle) that helps us balance against gravity. They are connected to each other. Due to many reasons that can be considered normal, such as sudden movement, a trauma, long-term bed rest, these structures become separated from each other and become free. Then, they pass towards the channels that ensure our balance while moving. There are 3 of these channels, each on the right and left. They are structured at right angles to each other. They give specific symptoms to the location of which part of these channels they pass into. Of course, their reflections in the balance laboratory also vary. We diagnose dizziness triggered by head movement by the reflection in the eyes. Each part of each channel manifests itself with a different eye movement. In this way, we have the chance to evaluate where the crystals, which are actually called "otoliths", are located.
* What kind of symptoms are seen in dizziness due to moving ear crystals?
Dizziness due to the movement of ear crystals is triggered by head movements. While stationary, the crystals that are immobile inside the channel are displaced by head movement. With this change of location, the fluid it contains moves, thus the balance cells are stimulated and dizziness develops. This dizziness begins immediately or a few seconds after movements and usually lasts 15-60 seconds. In some cases, it becomes very severe and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Generally, patients feel dizzy. The patient is comfortable when he is still, but dizziness occurs when he moves. This often manifests itself when turning from side to side in bed or getting out of bed. As a rule, hearing is not affected. In some cases, it can move back to where it should be (utricle) with a certain random movement of the head. In this case, the disease will heal spontaneously. But the treatment is to move the crystals to where they should be by moving the head (by the expert) in which part of the channel. In other words, they are manoeuvres. It is known that some medications are beneficial to the patient in this process.
* At what ages is it common?
Crystal movement (i.e. positional dizziness) is generally more common in middle and older ages. It is rare in childhood. There are other diseases of childhood that cause similar symptoms, so they should not be confused with them. It is known that the bonds that hold the crystals together loosen with age.
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