Author/Authors :
Narayan, Manisha Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Kasturba Medical College - Mangalore - Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Karnataka, India , Sreedharan, Suja Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Kasturba Medical College - Mangalore - Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Karnataka, India , Pai, Rohit Department of Neurology - Kasturba Medical College - Mangalore - Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Karnataka, India , Shenoy, Sajjan Department of Rheumatology - Kasturba Medical College - Mangalore - Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Karnataka, India
Abstract :
The relationship between autoimmune disease and sensorineural loss is well documented in literature.
Immune mediated sudden hearing loss is asymmetric, bilateral and rapidly progressive but responds
well to steroid therapy. However association of cranial nerve neuropathies with sudden hearing loss
is rare.
Case Report:
A 41 year old female presented with sudden mixed hearing loss and developed multiple cranial nerve
palsies within a month. Blood and Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an undiagnosed rheumatoid
arthritis. She responded well to definitive therapy with cyclophosphamide and azathioprine.
Conclusion:
If sudden hearing loss is associated with cranial neuropathy, an autoimmune work-up is highly
recommended.
