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Sudden deafness from vertebrobasilar artery disorder
1Department of Otolaryngology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
The American Journal of Otology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Sudden deafness with vertigo can result from vertebrobasilar artery vascular disorders. Localized embolism in the inner ear artery is indicated by specific neurotologic findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Sudden deafness accompanied by vertigo can be linked to vascular issues.
- The vertebrobasilar artery system is critical for blood supply to the brainstem and inner ear.
Observation:
- Two patients (19-year-old male, 54-year-old female) experienced sudden deafness with vertigo.
- Onset occurred post-procedures involving the vertebral artery (embolization, accidental cutting).
- No central nervous system disorders were evident.
Findings:
- Consistent neurotologic findings included irreversible total deafness, canal paresis, and vestibular system retrolabyrinthine disorder.
- Galvanic tests indicated vestibular dysfunction.
- Absence of central nervous system signs like nystagmus or ataxia.
Implications:
- These cases suggest localized embolism in the inner ear artery as a cause of sudden deafness.
- Thrombosis within the vertebrobasilar artery area may lead to these specific inner ear deficits.
- Understanding these vascular connections is crucial for managing sudden hearing loss and vertigo.