Perilymphatic fistula

It is characterized by abnormal communication between the liquid in the inner ear, specifically the perilymph, and the middle ear cavity. The symptoms can be variable. The cause is usually trauma (barotrauma or explosion) or surgical (otosclerosis surgery). A perilymphatic fistula can give a hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. It can give a permanent hearing impairment.

As a medical treatment, the patient should rest and avoid anything that may trigger abrupt changes in pressure of the inner or middle ear such as blowing their nose, Valsalva maneuver, exposure to altitude variations and any effort with closed glottis like lifting weights.

In acute cases, surgical exploration is needed to stop the leakage; this is performed by using autologous graft (the patient’s own tissue) of the fistula itself or by blocking the area of ​​the two windows of the inner ear.

In chronic cases, less straightforward, the attitude of surgeons varies between those who operate in the event of convincing track record, and those who propose in slightest doubt to explore the middle ear since there is no concrete proof of existence or not of the fistula.

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Emergency in ENT
Peritonsillar abscess
Ludwig’s Angina
Foreign body in the ear
Foreign body in the respiratory tract (nose, trachea, bronchi)
Foreign body in the esophagus
Epiglottitis
Epistaxis
Perilymphatic fistula
Nose fracture
Hemorrhage post-adenotonsillectomy
Acute mastoiditis
Facial paralysis
Sudden hearing loss