Res Vestib Sci.  2011 Jun;10(2):74-76.

Sudden Deafness Concurrent with Ipsilateral Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

• Kim YH
• Lee DK
• Seok JI

Abstract

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder caused by otoconia in the inner ear. Its symptoms are repeated episodes of positional vertigo, that is, of a spinning sensation caused by changes in the position of the head. BPPV with simultaneous ipsilateral sudden deafness is rare. A 82-year-old woman was admitted due to acute onset of right ear hearing impairment, tinnitus, and vertigo for a day. She had a history of hypertension for 5 years. On neurologic examination, spontaneous nystagmus was not observed. However, roll test showed direction-changing horizontal geotrophic nystagmus. Vestibular function test showed positional nystagmus compactable with right horizontal semicircular canal-BPPV (canalolithiasis). Brain MRI was unremarkable. Neuro-otologic evaluation reveals right ear sensorineural deafness. Barbecue maneuver was applied for treatment for BPPV. Dexamethasone 10 mg intravenous for 5 days after then methylprednisolone orally for 5 days was done. Vertigo improved after treatment, but deafness still remain. We report a case of sudden deafness concurrent with ipsilateral BPPV and consider the mechanisms of this lesion.

Keyword

Sudden deafness; Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

MeSH Terms

Aged, 80 and over
Brain
Deafness
Dexamethasone
Ear
Ear, Inner
Female
Head
Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss, Sudden
Humans
Hypertension
Methylprednisolone
Neurologic Examination
Nystagmus, Physiologic
Otolithic Membrane
Tinnitus
Vertigo
Vestibular Function Tests
Dexamethasone
Methylprednisolone
Vertigo