Sudden Hearing Loss Caused by Acute Pontine Infarction: Reports of Two Cases.
- Author:
Seog Kyun MUN
1
;
Gyu Ho LEE
;
Youn Kyoung DO
;
Young Ho HONG
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. entdoctor@cau.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Sudden hearing loss;
Brainstem infarction;
Pons
- MeSH:
Brain;
Brain Stem Infarctions;
Cerebellar Ataxia;
Extremities;
Hearing Loss, Sudden;
Horner Syndrome;
Humans;
Infarction;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Membranes;
Paralysis;
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors;
Pons;
Rupture;
Vertigo
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2008;51(7):650-654
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
In most cases, sudden deafness results from viral infection, vascular occlusion or cochlear membrane rupture, but occasionally, its central origin can not be excluded. Although a number of signs are theoretically plausible in patients with pontine infarction such as facial weakness, lateral gaze palsy, Horner syndrome, limb dysmetria, crossed sensory loss or vertigo, isolated sudden deafness is a very rare manifestation. When pontine infarction occurs, it is usually identified on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Early treatment with anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents leads to a more rapid resolution of symptoms and preservation of existing brain function. Recently, the authors have experienced two cases of sudden hearing loss caused by acute pontine infarction. Hence, we report two cases with a review of literature.
