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Carbamazepine-induced sensorineural hearing loss.
1Department of Otolaryngology, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|February 26, 1999
Summary
A carbamazepine overdose caused temporary sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus in a patient. Symptoms resolved completely within two weeks, indicating a reversible side effect of this anticonvulsant medication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Carbamazepine is a widely used anticonvulsant for epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder.
- While generally safe, carbamazepine can cause various adverse effects, though hearing loss is not commonly documented.
Observation:
- A case study involving a patient with a significant carbamazepine overdose (36g).
- The patient presented with bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus six days post-ingestion.
Findings:
- Audiometric evaluation confirmed a 30- to 40-dB sensorineural hearing loss in both ears.
- Follow-up audiograms two weeks later demonstrated complete recovery of hearing and resolution of audiovestibular symptoms.
Implications:
- This case suggests that sensorineural hearing loss may be a rare, but reversible, adverse effect of carbamazepine toxicity.
- Highlights the importance of considering ototoxicity in patients presenting with hearing disturbances after carbamazepine overdose.