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Sensorineural hearing loss following lumbar puncture, spinal anaesthesia or epidural anaesthesia: a case series and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2022

M Alwan Open the ORCID record for M Alwan [Opens in a new window]  and
G Hurtado
M Alwan*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
G Hurtado
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Dr M Alwan, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Monash Health, 823–865 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Victoria 3165, Australia E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

Sensorineural hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia, epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture is a rare phenomenon that is thought to occur when reduced cerebrospinal fluid pressure is transmitted to the inner ear through an enlarged cochlear aqueduct.

Method

This study presents two cases of sensorineural hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section as well as presenting results of a systemic review of the available literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Full-text articles from Medline, PubMed and Embase were used, as well as associated reference lists. Risk factors associated with poorer outcomes and an approach to management of this rare condition are also discussed.

Results

Twenty-one cases were identified. The literature was systematically reviewed showing presentations, investigations performed, treatments offered and outcomes.

Conclusion

Sensorineural hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia, epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture is a rare occurrence that requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and prompt investigation and treatment.

Keywords

Hearing LossHearing Loss, SensorineuralAnesthesia, SpinalAnesthesia, EpiduralSpinal Puncture
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 136 , Issue 3 , March 2022 , pp. 271 - 278
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Dr M Alwan takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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