Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo associated with arterial occlusive disease: three case reports and literature review

Abstract

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo (SSNHLV) has multifactorial causes, of which viral, autoimmune and vascular insufficiency are the most common. The therapeutic management for SSNHLV includes antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, vasodilators, normovolemic hemodilution therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Vertebrobasilar occlusive disease and carotid occlusive disease are seldom related to SSNHLV. Discussions concerning SSNHLV caused by occlusive vascular disease are important and necessary for both neurologists and otolaryngologists, since their therapeutic management and prognosis are very different from other causes of hearing loss and vertigo. Here, we present our experience with three cases managed with interventional treatment and conduct a review and discussion on the relevant literature. We conclude that investigation of vertebrobasilar and carotid occlusive diseases is necessary in patients over 50 years of age who present SSNHLV, mild neurological symptoms and a history of arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure or thrombosis.

Topical insulin-like growth factor 1 treatment using gelatin hydrogels for glucocorticoid-resistant sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a prospective clinical trial

“…Against this background, we began developing topical IGF1 treatments using gelatin hydrogels in animal models [5,11,12], followed by a clinical trial to investigate their safety and efficacy for use in patients with SSHL. Some studies have indicated that SSHL develops when the inner ear does not receive a sufficient oxygen supply [18]. Consequently, hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been used as an alternative option for the treatment of SSHL [19,20].…”

Treatment with HELP‐apheresis in patients suffering from sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A prospective, randomized, controlled study

“…SSHL has been recognized as an early symptom of cases of vertebrobasilar deficiency 4. There are correlations in the presence of carotid alterations 5. Prolapse of the mitral valve has also been identified as a cause of SSHL 6.…”

Effects of vertebrobasilar insufficiency on cVEMP responses

“…Afferent fibers from the utriculi, saccule, and semicircular channels at the ear reach the brainstem vestibular nucleus in the central nervous system [27] . The labyrinth is more susceptible to atherosclerotic vascular diseases due to the small size of the vasculature [28,29] . Whether the labyrinthine system is affected by vascular pathologies can be demonstrated by the cVEMP test, a non-invasive practical test [30] .…”