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Isolated deafness in multiple sclerosis patients
Santiago Fernández-Menéndez1, Laura Redondo-Robles1, Rocío García-Santiago1
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of León, León, Spain.
Abstract:
Isolated cranial nerve involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is not frequent. Deafness is considered to be uncommon in MS patients. We have reviewed the sensorineural hearing loss episodes that had been thoroughly investigated in our hospital in the last 5 years. We present three cases of sensorineural hearing loss in patients with MS and compare them with other previously reported and discuss this uncommon symptom. The cases that we present were firstly evaluated by an otolaryngologist. A lesion is seen at the root-entry zone of the eighth cranial nerve in only one case, but no lesions are seen in the other cases. A retrocochlear demyelinating disorder was demonstrated in the two patients in whom brainstem auditory evoked potentials were performed. All patients recovered at least partially their hearing functions.
Insights
Sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study presents three cases, highlighting demyelinating disorders and partial hearing recovery in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Neuro-immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) infrequently presents with isolated cranial nerve involvement.
- Deafness is a rare manifestation in patients diagnosed with MS.
Observation:
- This study reviewed sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) episodes in MS patients over five years.
- Three cases of SNHL in MS patients were evaluated by otolaryngologists.
- Eighth cranial nerve lesions were identified in one case; others showed no direct lesion.
Findings:
- Brainstem auditory evoked potentials indicated retrocochlear demyelinating disorder in two MS patients.
- All presented MS patients with SNHL experienced at least partial hearing recovery.
- SNHL in MS can occur without a visible lesion at the cranial nerve root-entry zone.
Implications:
- Highlights SNHL as an uncommon but potential neurological symptom in MS.
- Suggests the utility of auditory evoked potentials in diagnosing retrocochlear pathology in MS.
- Emphasizes the possibility of hearing function recovery in MS-related SNHL.
