National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome


Other Names:
SCDS; Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome is a rare balance disorder characterized by auditory and/or vestibular symptoms. These might include dizziness and vertigo triggered by heavy lifting, straining, coughing or loud sounds that change the middle ear or intracranial pressure, fullness in the ear, autophony (an echo or reverberation in the ear when speaking, chewing or swallowing), hearing loss, nystagmus, or oscillopsia (the apparent motion of objects that are stationary). This condition is caused by an opening (dehiscence) in the bone that overlays the superior (uppermost) semicircular canal within the inner ear. While many patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome are able to tolerate their symptoms and reduce or avoid triggering stimuli, others can benefit from surgical repair of the dehiscence.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 5/5/2015

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Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has a Clinical Topics page on Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome on their Web site. Click on the link to view this information.
  • EURORDIS Rare Diseases Europe provides information about living with Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome. Click on the link to view this information.
  • MayoClinic.com has an information page on Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
  • The Ménière’s Society has an information page on Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome. Click on the link to view this page.
  • The Vestibular Disorders Association provides information about Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome on their Web site. Click on the link to access this information.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Minor LB, Carey JP. Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD). Vestibular Disorders Association. http://vestibular.org/superior-canal-dehiscence-scd. Accessed 5/5/2015.
  2. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome. Ménière’s Society. http://www.menieres.org.uk/information-and-support/symptoms-and-conditions/superior-canal-dehiscence-syndrome. Accessed 5/5/2015.
  3. Superior Canal Dehiscence. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. http://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589934662§ion=Overview. Accessed 5/5/2015.