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Published on: February 29, 2020
Chiari Type I malformation presenting with bilateral hearing loss
Habibullah Dolgun1, Erhan Turkoglu, Hayri Kertmen
1Ministry of Health Yildirim Beyazit Diskapi Education and Research Hospital, 1st Neurosurgery Clinic, Ankara 06110, Turkey.
Summary
Chiari Type I malformation can cause sensorineural hearing loss, especially when accompanied by hydrocephalus. Treating hydrocephalus with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt can be an effective solution for hearing loss in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Chiari Type I malformation is a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.
- Clinical presentations of Chiari Type I malformation are diverse.
- Hydrocephalus and arachnoid cysts can occur alongside Chiari malformations.
Observation:
- A case study of a 44-year-old female patient with bilateral hearing loss.
- The patient presented with coexisting hydrocephalus, Chiari Type I malformation, and a unilateral arachnoid cyst.
- Sensorineural hearing loss was a prominent symptom.
Findings:
- Hydrocephalus associated with Chiari Type I malformation can lead to sensorineural hearing loss.
- The patient's hearing loss was attributed to the combined conditions.
- Surgical intervention was considered.
Implications:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, without posterior fossa decompression, proved effective in managing the patient's condition.
- This suggests a potential treatment pathway for similar cases.
- Highlights the complex interplay between neurological and auditory symptoms in Chiari malformations.
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