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Semin Neurol 2020; 40(01): 151-159
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3402738
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

Kristen K. Steenerson
1   Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
,
Benjamin T. Crane
2   Department of Otolaryngology, Bioengineering, and Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
,
Lloyd B. Minor
3   Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Bioengineering, and Department of Neuroscience, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 January 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) is a vestibular disorder caused by a pathologic third window into the labyrinth that can present with autophony, sound- or pressure-induced vertigo, and chronic disequilibrium among other vestibulocochlear symptoms. Careful history taking and examination in conjunction with appropriate diagnostic testing can accurately diagnose the syndrome. Key examination techniques include fixation-suppressed ocular motor examination investigating for sound- or pressure-induced eye movements in the plane of the semicircular canal. Audiometry, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and computed tomography confirm the diagnosis. Corrective surgical techniques can be curative, but many patients find their symptoms are not severe enough to undergo surgery. Although a primarily peripheral vestibular disorder, as first-line consultants for most dizziness complaints, neurologists will serve their patients well by understanding SCDS and its role in the differential diagnosis of vestibular disorders.

Keywords

superior canal dehiscence syndrome - superior semicircular canal - third window phenomenon - vestibular disorder