Perilymphatic Fistula

Overview

Perilymphatic Fistula (PLF) is a delicate neuro-otological emergency in which perilymph leaks abnormally from the inner ear into the middle ear, usually through a breach at the oval window or round window. Clinically, the problem is not only “dizziness after trauma.” It is a possible pressure-related inner-ear leak that may present with acute vertigo, fluctuating or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), tinnitus, and aural fullness after trauma, barotrauma, acoustic blast, diving, flying, straining, or previous stapes surgery.