The middle ear normally is filled with air and doesn’t contain any fluid.
Barotrauma can also cause severe pain in the ear and sometimes a ruptured eardrum.
There also is not a “gold standard” test for diagnosing a perilymph fistula.
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However, you could sometimes make the diagnosis from anMRIorCT scan.
Another common symptom is theTullio phenomenon, which causes you to experience vertigo when exposed to loud sounds.
Many factors can affect the decision of whether to use a non-surgical or surgical approach.
Certain medications may help treat symptoms but will not have any effect on the fistula itself.
For example, medications like ondansetron and promethazine may be used to control nausea.
Diazepam is another medication that is sometimes used.
Surgical repair of a perilymph fistula involves a tissue graft to repair the tear in the round window.
Vestibular Disorders Association.Perilymph fistula.
2016;130, 526531. doi:10.1017/S002221511600030X
