Vestibular: superior canal dehiscence: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

ENT · Vestibular: superior canal dehiscence

Sample item

A woman has vertigo and oscillopsia triggered by loud sounds and by Valsalva manoeuvre. Which is the most likely cause?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence

Dehiscence of the bone over the superior semicircular canal creates a third mobile window, so sound (Tullio phenomenon) or pressure changes (Hennebert's sign) produce vertigo. HRCT with Poschl reconstruction shows the defect.

Option by option

  • A. Otosclerosis

    Otosclerosis causes conductive hearing loss.

  • B. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (correct)

    Correct. Sound-induced vertigo suggests superior canal dehiscence.

  • C. BPPV of the posterior canal

    BPPV is triggered by head position, not sound.

  • D. Vestibular neuritis

    Vestibular neuritis causes sustained vertigo for days.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Superior semicircular canal dehiscence. Dehiscence of the bone over the superior semicircular canal creates a third mobile window, so sound (Tullio phenomenon) or pressure changes (Hennebert's sign) produce vertigo.

Why is "Otosclerosis" not the answer?

Otosclerosis causes conductive hearing loss.

Why is "BPPV of the posterior canal" not the answer?

BPPV is triggered by head position, not sound.

Why is "Vestibular neuritis" not the answer?

Vestibular neuritis causes sustained vertigo for days.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vestibular: superior canal dehiscence in ENT. HRCT with Poschl reconstruction shows the defect.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Vestibular: superior canal dehiscence?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.