[Clinical aspects of sudden deafness and vestibulopathy]

Clinical aspects of sudden deafness and sudden vestibular loss. The cases of sudden deafness and/or sudden vestibular loss are 90% idiopathic. Initially they can be overlooked but they can be responsible for an important sensorial impairment. In 65% of cases, and within the first two weeks, there may be a relevant or complete recovery or functional compensation. Etiology and pathogenesis are considered to be pluri-factorial; multiple virus infection including the Herpesvirus family, is the most relevant and better documented cause. Such an infection is responsible for a derangement of inner ear microcirculation, ions imbalance at labyrinthine fluids level, reduction of receptors and nervous supply function. Therapy is essentially symptomatic and therefore the most widely used drugs are cortisonics and heparin. In the Author's opinion also dextran 40, by slow endovenous drip, and carbogen (O2 95% + CO2 5%), by inhalations, are very effective with only rare contraindications. The occurrence of an important number of spontaneous improvements or even recoveries does not authorize therapeutic abstension especially in severe or delayed cases.