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Transient unilateral hearing loss induced by electrocortical stimulation
S R Sinha1, N E Crone, R Fotta
1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. sasinha@jhmi.edu
Neurology
|January 26, 2005
Summary
Electrocortical stimulation mapping in epilepsy patients can temporarily impair hearing and auditory comprehension. This study identified a specific brain region linked to these reversible auditory deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Electrocortical stimulation (ECS) mapping is crucial for identifying eloquent brain areas in epilepsy surgery.
- Understanding the precise functional localization of auditory processing is essential for minimizing neurological deficits.
Observation:
- During ECS mapping of the left lateral superior temporal gyrus in a patient with seizures, a temporary decrease in right-ear hearing was noted.
- Audiometric testing confirmed a moderate, reversible unilateral hearing loss at this specific cortical site.
Findings:
- The ECS mapping revealed that stimulation of the left lateral superior temporal gyrus selectively impaired auditory comprehension under binaural listening conditions.
- Other auditory functions, including word repetition, environmental sound recognition, naming, and spontaneous speech, remained unaffected at this site.
Implications:
- This case highlights the temporal lobe's specific role in auditory comprehension, distinct from other language and auditory functions.
- ECS mapping can precisely delineate functional areas, aiding in the surgical planning for epilepsy and potentially other neurological conditions affecting auditory processing.