Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome — SCE Neurology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardHeadache & Facial PainSuperior Canal Dehiscence SyndromeSCE Neurology

A 35-year-old man presents with episodes of vertigo and oscillopsia lasting seconds, triggered by loud sounds (Tullio phenomenon) and changes in middle ear pressure (Hennebert sign). He has autophony (hearing his own voice loudly). CT temporal bone shows dehiscence of the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal. What is the diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome results from an abnormal opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal, creating a 'third window' that makes the vestibular system responsive to sound and pressure stimuli. Characteristic features include: sound-induced vertigo (Tullio phenomenon), pressure-induced vertigo (Hennebert sign), autophony, pulsatile tinnitus, and conductive hearing loss (particularly at low frequencies). CT temporal bone confirms the dehiscence. Treatment is surgical plugging or resurfacing for severe cases. A: BPPV is positional without sound/pressure triggers. C: Ménière has episodic vertigo with hearing loss without sound/pressure triggers. D: Perilymph fistula is a differential but SSCD is confirmed by CT. E: Vestibular schwannoma causes progressive unilateral hearing loss.

Reference: AAO-HNS SSCD Guidelines