Sudden sensorineural hearing loss as an initial presentation in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Figure. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disorder characterized by central nervous system demyelination. Acute sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a rare, but recognized MS-associated symptom [1]. Here we present a 33yo female with acute-onset right-sided SNHL that resolved within 1 month. Neurologic examination, including Rinne’s and Webber’s, was normal. An MRI revealed a demyelinating lesion in the right VIII entry root zone (A), as well as juxtacortical, periventricular, and infratentorial demyelinating lesions (B-D) characteristic of MS.