Perilymph Fistula
What Is a Perilymph Fistula?
A perilymph fistula (PLF) is an abnormal opening/tear in the thin membranes between the middle ear and the fluid-filled inner ear. This results in fluid leaking into the middle ear. It is not an ear infection. It usually occurs due to a problem in one of the following locations:
The symptoms of a perilymph fistula:
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A very common symptom in PLF patients is pressure sensitivity. Although this symptom is not unique to a PLF it's presence certainly helps point towards that of a perilymph fistula as pressure sensitivity is more uncommon in other inner ear disorders.
Changes in air pressure that occur in the middle ear such as when your ears pop normally have no effect on your inner ear. However, if a fistula exists, changes in middle ear pressure may directly impact the inner ear, causing unwanted symptoms as the balance and inner ear structures are stimulated unnecessarily by the leaking perilymph fluid in the ear. This is why many people with this condition find that their symptoms exacerbate with coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose. An increase in physical activities may have the same effect since unsteadiness tends to increases with physical exertion and decrease with rest. Possible causes:
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