Symptoms
SCDS can present itself with a variety of symptoms, which typically fall into two categories:
- Auditory symptoms
- Vestibular (balance) symptoms
Additionally, some patients may experience cognitive issues (also described below).
Each patient can have a unique experience in terms of the symptoms they experience: some will experience certain auditory issues, some will have only balance issues, while others may have a combination of several symptoms.
Auditory Symptoms
- Hyperacusis (sensitivity to sounds)
- Autophony (hearing internal sounds amplified, such as your voice or eye movements)
- Pulsatile tinnitus (hearing your blood flow or your heartbeat in your ear)
Secondary auditory symptoms may include:
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Hearing loss at certain frequencies
- Sensation that your ear is plugged/clogged/full
Vestibular (Balance) Symptoms
- Imbalance
- Vertigo
- Oscillopsia (sensation that world is moving/bouncing)
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
Secondary vestibular symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive issues are not part of SCDS diagnostic criteria, but are frequently reported by symptomatic patients. These symptoms may be caused by the increased sensory input from the dehiscence to the brain. They can include:
- Heightened anxiety
- Brain fog
- Derealization