Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome

Abstract

Superior canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome is characterized by sound and pressure induced vertigo accompanying vertical-torsional nystagmus. Since the severity of symptoms and signs in SCD may depend on the amount of bony dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal, typical clinical presentations are not always accompanied in every patient. And symptoms of SCD are frequently vague and non-specific, such as aural fullness, disequilibrium or floating sensation of dizziness. Routine vestibular laboratory tests cannot provide disease-specific diagnostic clue, which makes this diagnosis more difficult. This review provides information to understand the pathophysiologic mechanism of symptoms and signs in SCD, and characteristic features of diagnostic tests targeted to SCD.