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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Chikungunya virus induced sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Kranti Bhavana1, Isha Tyagi, Rajeev Kumar Kapila
1Neuro Otology Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, SGPGIMS, Rai Bareilly Road, Lucknow 226014, India.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|December 25, 2007
Summary
Chikungunya virus infection is linked to sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This case report highlights a unique instance of unilateral hearing loss following chikungunya fever.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otolaryngologic emergency.
- Viral infections are known potential causes of SSNHL.
- The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus primarily known for causing febrile illness with arthralgia and rash.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old female presented with unilateral sudden hearing loss.
- Her symptoms occurred one month after experiencing fever, arthralgia, and rash consistent with chikungunya fever.
- The patient resided in an area with a high prevalence of chikungunya fever.
Findings:
- Clinical suspicion of chikungunya fever was confirmed by positive serological testing.
- The patient developed sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss following chikungunya infection.
- This case represents the first documented instance of chikungunya virus-associated sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Implications:
- This case suggests Chikungunya virus as a potential etiological agent for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the mechanisms and prevalence of CHIKV-induced ototoxicity.
- Clinicians should consider chikungunya virus infection in the differential diagnosis of SSNHL, especially in endemic regions.
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