[Temporary total deafness in disseminated encephalomyelitis (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Neuro-immunology

Background:

• Disseminated encephalomyelitis (DEM) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Auditory and vestibular systems can be affected in neuro-inflammatory conditions, but complete, reversible deafness is rare.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old woman presented with sudden, total left-sided deafness and bilateral vestibular abnormalities.
• Initial neurological examination revealed symptoms consistent with disseminated encephalomyelitis.

Findings:

• Complete recovery of auditory and vestibular function occurred within weeks.
• Nearly two years post-recovery, the patient experienced a temporary 30 dB hearing loss in the left ear and spontaneous nystagmus.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for profound, yet reversible, auditory and vestibular dysfunction in disseminated encephalomyelitis.
• It underscores the importance of comprehensive audiological and vestibular assessment in patients with neuro-inflammatory disorders.
• Recurrent, transient symptoms suggest the possibility of ongoing, low-level inflammatory activity or delayed sequelae.