Ward · Frontiers in neurology 2017 · narrative review · n=?

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome: Lessons from the First 20 Years.

Cited 292 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review without systematic search or meta-analytic methodology

PubMed 28503164 · doi:10.3389/fneur.2017.00177 · record verified 2026-08-26

What was done

This narrative review summarizes 20 years of research and clinical developments following the 1998 initial description of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS). The authors synthesize third mobile window pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches (sound- and pressure-induced eye movement examination, high-resolution computed tomography imaging, and diagnostic testing), propose diagnostic criteria, and discuss surgical occlusion.

What was found

The abstract reports no quantitative figures, statistical metrics, or patient numbers. It qualitatively notes that understanding of third mobile window pathophysiology has matured, high-resolution imaging protocols and specific diagnostic tests have been established, and surgical occlusion of the superior canal demonstrates efficacy.

Why it matters

It consolidates two decades of evolving diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge for SCDS into a cohesive overview and proposes formal diagnostic criteria for clinical practice.

Limits

The review relies on narrative synthesis rather than systematic review methodology. The abstract provides no quantitative data on diagnostic test accuracy, surgical success rates, or adverse event frequencies.

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