A Case of Arachnoid Cyst Causing Unilateral Sudden Hearing Loss

Abstract

Arachnoid cyst develops due to cerebrospinal fluid increase in the subarachnoid space and is mostly located in the middle cranial fossa, which may be associated with non-specific symp toms such as headache, unsteadiness and ataxia. However, it rarely occurs in the posterior cranial fossa and is mostly asymptomatic. When symptoms do develop, they are usually headache and psychomotor retardation, which make diagnosis very difficult. Diagnosis is generally made through magnetic resonance imaging and surgical treatment is indicated for cases where there are displacement and compression of its surrounding neurovascular component, and aggravation of symptoms. We present a case of unilateral sudden hearing loss possibly developing from an arachnoid cyst in the posterior cranial fossa with a review of literatures. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2013;56:781-3 Key WordsZZArachnoid cyst ㆍSudden hearing loss.