Clinical Features of Patients with Labyrinthine Concussion after Head Trauma.
- Author:
Chi Kyou LEE
1
;
Kye Hoon PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. earpark@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Inner ear;
Concussion;
Craniocerebral trauma
- MeSH:
Bone Conduction;
Craniocerebral Trauma*;
Dizziness;
Ear;
Ear, Inner;
Earache;
Head Injuries, Closed;
Head*;
Hearing;
Hearing Loss;
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural;
Humans;
Intracranial Hemorrhages;
Nervous System Diseases;
Otolithic Membrane;
Retrospective Studies;
Temporal Bone;
Tinnitus
- From:Soonchunhyang Medical Science
2017;23(2):108-111
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Blunt head injury can lead to isolated damage of the inner ear (cochlear labyrinthine concussion) or damage of the otolith organ (vestibular labyrinthine concussion) due to a bone conduction pressure. We evaluated the clinical characteristics of hearing impairment in patients who suffered from a blunt head trauma without any organic problems, including temporal bone fracture or intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: This retrospective study examined 9 patients presenting with hearing impairment after blunt head trauma within recent 5 years. This study included only patients without temporal bone fracture or intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Most patients complained of associated auditory symptoms including tinnitus, dizziness, earfullness, and otalgia. Twelve ears of 9 patients showed sensorineural hearing loss; mild (1 ear), moderate (3 ears), moderate-severe (4 ears), severe (2 ears), and profound (2 ears). After high-dose steroid therapy, 2 ears had a significant hearing gain, but 10 ears showed no improvement of hearing. CONCLUSION: Blunt head injury is one of the most common causes of the neurologic disorders. It is important to perform thorough assessment of auditory symptoms as soon as possible. Otologic consultation should be sought in all cases for appropriate management.
