Vestibular dysfunction in patients with post-mumps sensorineural hearing loss.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Mumps is a viral infection that can lead to sensorineural hearing loss.
• The impact of mumps on the vestibular system is not fully understood.
• Vestibular dysfunction can significantly affect a patient's quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate vestibular system damage in patients with post-mumps sensorineural hearing loss.
• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of vestibular lesions following mumps infection.
• To identify the location of these vestibular lesions.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen patients with recent mumps and unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss were enrolled.
• Video-nystagmography (VNG) was performed to assess horizontal semicircular canal function.
• Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) were used to evaluate otolith organ function.

Main Results:

• Vestibular lesions were identified in 11 out of 19 patients (57.9%).
• Lesions included marked canal weakness on VNG and absent VEMP responses.
• These vestibular deficits were consistently located on the same side as the hearing loss.
• The findings suggest peripheral vestibular pathology.

Conclusions:

• A significant majority of patients with post-mumps sensorineural hearing loss exhibit peripheral vestibular pathology.
• The vestibular damage occurs on the same side as the hearing impairment.
• Further research is needed to develop strategies for preserving inner ear function after mumps infection.