Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2008 Jul;51(7):650-654.

Sudden Hearing Loss Caused by Acute Pontine Infarction: Reports of Two Cases

• Mun SK
• Lee GH
• Do YK
• Hong YH

Abstract

In most cases, sudden deafness results from viral infection, vascular occlusion or cochlear membrane rupture, but occasionally, its central origin can not be excluded. Although a number of signs are theoretically plausible in patients with pontine infarction such as facial weakness, lateral gaze palsy, Horner syndrome, limb dysmetria, crossed sensory loss or vertigo, isolated sudden deafness is a very rare manifestation. When pontine infarction occurs, it is usually identified on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Early treatment with anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents leads to a more rapid resolution of symptoms and preservation of existing brain function. Recently, the authors have experienced two cases of sudden hearing loss caused by acute pontine infarction. Hence, we report two cases with a review of literature.

Keyword

Sudden hearing loss; Brainstem infarction; Pons

MeSH Terms

Brain
Brain Stem Infarctions
Cerebellar Ataxia
Extremities
Hearing Loss, Sudden
Horner Syndrome
Humans
Infarction
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Membranes
Paralysis
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Pons
Rupture
Vertigo
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors