Role of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Patients with Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

Abstract

Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) described in 1998 is a disorder characterized by vertigo in response to loud sounds, pulsatile tinnitus, conductive hyperacusis, autophony and chronic disequilibrium. While resurfacing and/or plugging of the superior canal may improve autophony and reduce dizziness handicap, it can result in immediate and long-term deficits in VOR function, necessitating vestibular rehabilitation (VR) during the early post-operative recovery period. Case description: a 34- year-old man with a history of autophony, pulsatile tinnitus and audible eye movements in his right ear. He denied any vertigo or disequilibrium. Immediately after surgical plugging he presented severe vertigo and disequilibrium as well as deterioration of right hearing loss. Due to persistent instability, VR was performed for five months after surgery with improved outcomes. Our purpose is to emphasize and increase awareness in surgeons, especially in Latin America, the importance of VR immediately after surgery. Additionally, we make some comments about the surgical decisions in two patients with otosclerosis and SCDS and the importance of VR.