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Migraine as a Cause of Sudden Hearing Loss
Author(s) -
Viirre Erik S.,
Baloh Robert W.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1046/j.1526-4610.1996.3601024.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hearing loss , sudden hearing loss , vertigo , migraine , amaurosis fugax , etiology , audiology , vasospasm , migraine with aura , sudden death , aura , anesthesia , cardiology , surgery , subarachnoid hemorrhage , stenosis
Sudden heating loss is common, but unexplained in many cases. Although usually attributed to a viral infection of the inner ear in mort patients, the abrupt onset of the hearing loss in many patients argues against a viral etiology. We present 13 cases of unexplained sudden healing loss who meet the diagnostic criteria for migraine. All had the sudden onset of hearing loss and other neurologic phenomena that could be attributed to vasospasm, including vertigo, amaurosis fugax, hemiplegia, facial pain, chest pain, and visual aura. We suggest that vasospasm of the cochlear vasculature was the cause of the sudden hearing loss in these patients. A personal and family history of migraine should be sought in patient; with sudden heating loss and when found, a trial of antispas modic agents should be considered.