Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) is an uncommon medical condition that profoundly affects the auditory and balance systems of the inner ear. First identified in 1998 by Dr. Lloyd Minor of Johns Hopkins University, SCDS involves a small hole or thinning in the bone that covers the superior semicircular canal of the vestibular system. This defect can lead to a range of audible and vestibular symptoms that significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Individuals with SCDS often report hearing internal sounds of the body unusually loud. This phenomenon is known as autophony. One of the most striking and disturbing symptoms reported by patients is hearing their own eyeballs move, often described as sounding like "sandpaper on wood." Other common sounds include one's heartbeat, breathing, or even the joints moving, such as knees or ankles. Alongside these auditory disturbances, patients may experience dizziness, balance problems, and sensitivity to external sounds, where even normal noises can seem overwhelmingly loud.
The underlying cause of the syndrome is not entirely understood, but it is believed to involve both genetic predispositions and environmental factors such as physical trauma to the head. Diagnosis of SCDS is typically achieved through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specialized imaging studies such as high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans that can detect the dehiscence.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, lifestyle modifications and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms may be sufficient. When symptoms are severe and persistent, surgical intervention may be considered. The most common surgical procedures involve plugging, capping, or resurfacing the affected canal. These surgeries aim to correct the abnormal third window effect caused by the dehiscence, thereby alleviating the symptoms.
Recovery from surgery can vary, with many patients reporting significant improvement in their symptoms, although it is not always possible to achieve complete resolution. Research into SCDS is ongoing, with advancements in diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies continuing to evolve, offering hope to those affected by this challenging condition.
