Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
04:34
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
2.1K
Contralateral hearing loss after acoustic neuroma surgery
Shuntaro Togashi1, Jun Maruya1, Chihiro Nerome1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Akita Red Cross Hospital, 222-1 Nawashirosawa, Saruta, Kamikitate, Akita 010-1495, Japan.
Summary
Contralateral hearing loss is a rare complication after acoustic neuroma surgery. This case highlights the distressing impact and potential causes like cerebrospinal fluid loss or artery thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurotology
- Neurosurgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) surgery aims to remove tumors near the auditory and facial nerves.
- Postoperative complications, though rare, can significantly impact patient quality of life.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male patient experienced contralateral hearing loss after undergoing surgery for a left acoustic neuroma.
- Standard steroid therapy did not result in any improvement of the hearing loss.
Findings:
- Contralateral hearing loss is an exceptionally rare and distressing complication following acoustic neuroma resection.
- The exact mechanism remains elusive, but potential factors include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or internal auditory artery thrombosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for further investigation into the pathophysiology of contralateral hearing loss after acoustic neuroma surgery.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms may lead to improved preventative strategies or novel treatment approaches for this rare complication.
