Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss and chronic venous cerebrospinal insufficiency : a case report

OBJECTIVES: We report a case of bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) in a patient suffering from chronic venous cerebrospinal insufficiency (CCSVI). METHODS: Audiometric testing confirmed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with hypoexcitability to caloric stimulation on the left side and echo-colour Doppler examination showed abnormal cerebral venous deficiency. RESULTS: The patient's condition improved after 15 days following medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CCSVI may explain the anatomical background which provides a predisposing factor for SSHL although further studies are needed to verify whether this observation is casual or coincidental.