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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Sudden Hearing Loss and Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies in Autoimmune disease: A Case Report
Manisha Narayan1, Suja Sreedharan1, Rohit Pai2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 575001, Karnataka, India.
Introduction:
The relationship between autoimmune disease and sensorineural loss is well documented in literature. Immune mediated sudden hearing loss is asymmetric, bilateral and rapidly progressive but responds well to steroid therapy. However association of cranial nerve neuropathies with sudden hearing loss is rare.
Case Report:
A 41 year old female presented with sudden mixed hearing loss and developed multiple cranial nerve palsies within a month. Blood and Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. She responded well to definitive therapy with cyclophosphamide and azathioprine.
Conclusion:
If sudden hearing loss is associated with cranial neuropathy, an autoimmune work-up is highly recommended.
