Headache resolution following the middle fossa repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence

OBJECTIVE: To investigate predictors of headache resolution following surgical intervention for superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective chart review on 344 surgical repairs of SSCD via the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach conducted at an institution. The primary outcome measure was the resolution of headaches after SSCD repair. Analyses explored the predictive potential of several comorbidities and lifestyle factors pre-operatively. RESULTS: Among a total of 344 repairs, 193 (56 %) reported headaches preoperatively. Among which, 114 (59 %) experienced headache resolution following surgery. Compared to patients without a history of general anxiety disorder (GAD), patients with GAD reported a 65 % lower odds of headache resolution following surgery (aOR 0.35, 95 % CI [0.14, 0.91]). Compared to patients without hypertension (HTN), patients with HTN were significantly more likely to experience headache resolution following surgery (aOR 4.65, [1.19, 18.22]). CONCLUSION: A substantial portion of patients with headaches experienced resolution following SSCD repair (∼60 %). Patients with GAD were less likely to experience headache resolution following SSCD repair, whereas patients with HTN were more likely to experience headache resolution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.