Canal Dehiscence
What is the Condition about:
Canal Dehiscence is a condition in which the thin bone layer that separates the inner ear from the brain becomes partially or completely absent. This causes symptoms like hearing loss, vertigo, and a pulsatile tinnitus that can be heard by the patient or others around them.
How I investigate the Condition:
To diagnose canal dehiscence, I perform a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic imaging tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI.
What treatment options are available:
The treatment for canal dehiscence may involve observation, medication, or surgery. I will recommend the best treatment option based on the patient's symptoms, severity of the condition, and overall health.
What is Canal Dehiscence Syndrome?
Canal dehiscence syndrome (also called superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, or SSCD) is caused by a small hole in one of the inner ear balance canals. It can cause a wide variety of hearing and balance symptoms including vertigo triggered by loud noises, imbalance, hearing loss, hearing internal body noises (autophony) such as your voice, heartbeat or eyes moving, and tinnitus.
Canal Dehiscence is rare, affecting only 1-2% of the population and it does not always cause symptoms. People usually discover they have it in midlife, though it can present at any age.
Left superior semicircular canal dehiscence (arrow)
Underwater canal plugging
What causes Canal Dehiscence Syndrome?
The cause of canal dehiscence remains unknown. It is thought that the bone may not completely close when it is forming in some people. It is linked to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (raised pressure around your brain), obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea.
