| Labyrinthine fistula | |
|---|---|
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| Cross-section of cochlea. Perilymph is located in the scala tympani and scala vestibuli – the aqua regions at the top and bottom of the diagram. | |
| Specialty | ENT, Neurology |
A labyrinthine fistula is an abnormal opening in the inner ear. This can result in leakage of the perilymph into the middle ear.[1] This includes specifically a perilymph fistula (PLF), an abnormal connection between the fluid of the inner ear and the air-filled middle ear. This is caused by a rupture of the round window or oval window ligaments separating the inner and middle ear.[1]
Another type of labyrinthine fistula is the superior semicircular canal dehiscence, which allows the inner ear to be influenced by the intracranial pressure directly.
- ^ a b O'Sullivan, Susan B. (2007). Physical Rehabilitation (Fifth ed.). Philadelphia: Davis Company. p. 1024.