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Perilymph Fistulas

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Vertigo: Its Multisensory Syndromes

Part of the book series: Clinical Medicine and the Nervous System ((CLIN.MED.NERV.))

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Abstract

The perilymph space surrounds the endolymph-filled membranous labyrinth, both being encapsuled by the bony labyrinth. Perilymph fistulas may lead to episodic vertigo and sensorineural hearing loss owing to a pathological elasticity of the otic capsule, usually at the oval and round windows. This elasticity permits abnormal transfer of ambient pressure changes to maculae and cupulae receptors. The typical history is that of an “otolithic ataxia”, or a semicircular canal type of vertigo and/or a sudden hearing loss resulting from barotrauma (flying, diving; p. 197), trauma to the head, to the ear (e.g., post-surgery) or from strenuous activity, especially lifting of heavy weights (excessive valsalva manoeuvre). In some patients perilymph fistulas manifest with sound-induced vestibular symptoms, which are called the Tullio phenomenon (p. 62), either of the semicircular canal or otolith type.

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  1. Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 8000, München 70, Germany

    Thomas Brandt (Professor of Neurology, Director Neurologische Klinik)

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© 1991 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Brandt, T. (1991). Perilymph Fistulas. In: Vertigo: Its Multisensory Syndromes. Clinical Medicine and the Nervous System. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3342-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3342-1_4

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-3344-5

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