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Sacculo-collic pathway dysfunction accompanying auditory neuropathy
Kianoush Sheykholeslami1, Sébastien Schmerber, Mohammad Habiby Kermany
1Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. kianoush48@yahoo.com
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|July 14, 2005
Summary
Auditory neuropathy (AN) can involve the vestibular system. A patient with AN showed absent vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in one ear, suggesting sacculo-collic neuropathy. Further vestibular testing in AN patients is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
Background:
- Auditory neuropathy (AN) is characterized by impaired auditory brainstem responses with normal cochlear function.
- The extent of vestibular involvement in AN, particularly the saccule, remains largely unknown.
- This study investigated saccular function in a patient diagnosed with AN.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old female with AN presented with hearing loss and speech perception difficulties.
- Auditory tests confirmed AN, while neurological and balance assessments were normal.
- Caloric testing induced dizziness, but VEMP responses were absent on the left and present on the right.
Findings:
- The absent VEMP response in one ear suggests neuropathy affecting the inferior vestibular nerve or saccule.
- This indicates a potential unilateral sacculo-collic neuropathy co-existing with AN.
- Normal gait and balance tests despite VEMP abnormalities highlight the complexity of vestibular compensation.
Implications:
- Precise terminology is needed to describe AN with specific inner ear and nerve involvement.
- Comprehensive vestibular assessment is crucial for AN patients to identify co-existing vestibular disorders.
- Findings contribute to understanding the multifaceted nature of auditory neuropathy and its vestibular correlates.