Superior Canal Dehiscence
Superior Canal Dehiscence is when the bony cap over the superior semicircular canal has eroded away and the tough covering (dura) that protects the temporal lobe can make contact with the inner membranes of this canal causing disequilibrium.
Etiology for Superior Canal Dehiscence
Anything that causes increased intracranial pressure such as straining, sneezing, or coughing can exert pressure on the delicate inner ear membranes and cause disequilibrium. This situation can have effects on hearing as well. Loud sounds can cause escape of hydraulic energy through this weak opening and cause disequilibrium. During conduction of sound in the inner ear, there can be escape of hydraulic energy through this weak opening. The result is a conductive hearing loss.
In This Section
Tools
About Dr. Prasad
Dr. Sanjay Prasad MD FACS is a board certified physician and surgeon with over thirty-two years of sub-specialty experience in Otology, Neurotology, advanced head and neck oncologic surgery, and cranial base surgery. He is chief surgeon and founder of the private practice, Metropolitan NeuroEar Group, located in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.