Second-side surgery in superior canal dehiscence syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

Bilateral superior canal (SC) dehiscence syndrome poses a challenge because bilateral SC dehiscence (SCD) plugging might be expected to result in oscillopsia and disability. Our aims were as follows: 1) to evaluate which symptoms prompted patients with bilateral SCD syndrome (SCDS) to seek second-side surgery, and 2) to determine the prevalence of disabling imbalance and oscillopsia after bilateral SC plugging.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Five patients with bilateral SCDS based on history, audiometric and physiologic testing, and computed tomographic findings. This includes all of our patients who have had second-side plugging surgery to date.

INTERVENTION(S): Bilateral sequential middle fossa craniotomy and plugging of SCs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cochleovestibular symptoms, cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential testing, dizziness handicap inventory, short-form 36 Health Survey, dynamic visual acuity testing.

RESULTS

The most common symptoms prompting second-side surgery were sound- and pressure-induced vertigo and autophony. Three of the 5 patients reported that symptoms shifted to the contralateral ear immediately after plugging the first side, whereas in 2 patients, contralateral symptoms developed several years after the first SC plugging. Two of 4 patients experienced ongoing oscillopsia after bilateral SCDS surgery; however, all patients reported relief from their SCD symptoms and were glad that they had pursued bilateral surgery.

CONCLUSION

In patients with bilateral SCDS, sound- and pressure-induced vertigo most commonly prompted second-side surgery. Despite some degree of oscillopsia after bilateral SCDS surgery, patients were very satisfied with second-side surgery, given their relief from other SCDS symptoms.