Migraine and Sudden Hearing Loss

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 18(4); 2000 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2000;18(4): 480-482.

편두통과 돌발성 난청

권오대, 이 형 ·이승환*·이상도 ·박영춘

계명대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실,마산삼성병원 신경과*

Migraine and Sudden Hearing Loss

O-Dae Kwon, M.D., Hyung Lee, M.D., Seung-Hwan Lee, M.D.*, Sang-Doe Yi, M.D., Young-Choon Park, M.D.

Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine Department of Neurology, Masan Samsung Hospital*

Abstract

On rare occasions, sudden hearing loss may be associated with a migraine. To our knowledge, there have only been two prior reports of sudden hearing loss attributed to migraines. A 40 years old man had suffered from recurrent headaches with hemiparesis, vertigo, and hearing loss for the past three years. At this time, he presented with severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss of sudden onset, anarthria, right hemiplegia, tinnitus, and vertigo. An audiogram showed a down-sloping sensorineural hearing loss of 77dB by pure tone average on the right side and 72dB on the left. Sixteen days later, audiographic findings improved to 30dB of pure tone average on both sides. Vasospasm of the labyrinthine arteries instigated by migraine might explain these inner ear symptoms. A history of migraine should be sought in patients with sudden hearing loss and when found, anti-migraine medications such as calcium channel block-ers should be considered. J Korean Neurol Assoc 18(4):480~482, 2000 Key Words : Sudden hearing loss, Migraine, Vasospasm, Audiogram