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Electrocochleography and brain-stem potentials in Ramsay Hunt syndrome
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Ramsay Hunt syndrome can affect hearing through both cochlear and retrocochlear pathways. Brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) revealed prolonged wave latencies, indicating retrocochlear involvement in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a viral infection, can lead to neurological complications.
- Hearing impairment is a potential manifestation of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the type of hearing disorders in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- To evaluate cochlear and retrocochlear involvement using electrophysiologic recordings.
Main Methods:
- Audiometric investigations were conducted.
- Cochlear and brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded in 13 patients.
- Transtympanic electrocochleography was performed.
Main Results:
- BAEPs showed abnormalities in several patients, characterized by prolonged latencies of waves III and V with preserved wave I.
- These BAEP findings suggest retrocochlear involvement.
- Abnormalities were unilateral, present only on the affected side.
- Electrocochleography did not indicate secondary endolymphatic hydrops.
Conclusions:
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome can involve both cochlear and retrocochlear auditory pathways.
- BAEP findings are crucial for identifying retrocochlear involvement in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- Unilateral BAEP abnormalities correlate with the affected side in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.