Sudden Deafness Concurrent with Ipsilateral Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo / 대한평형의학회지

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.