Acute Deafness: A Rare Complication of Shunting

World Neurosurgery
Rafael Martinez-PerezJorge Mura

Abstract

Mild hearing loss following shunting has been described; however, severe auditory impairment associated with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is an uncommon, rarely reported phenomenon. Treatment options and pathophysiologic considerations are discussed in this case report. A 27-year-old man who was treated for an eighth cranial nerve schwannoma with complete resection and a VP shunt 10 years previously presented to the emergency department with acute severe hearing loss and headache. Imaging showed diminished size of the ventricles and dural contrast enhancement. The previous shunt was replaced with a programmable antisiphoning VP shunt. The patient's hearing and headache improved 48 hours later, as demonstrated in serial audiograms. Hearing loss is an underestimated complication of shunting that in some cases may progress to severe impairment and deafness. Patients with a VP shunt who experience hearing loss should undergo further evaluation and possibly adjustment of shunt settings.

Citations

Jul 28, 2019·Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology·Yona VaisbuchPeter L Santa Maria

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