No abstract

Cholesteatomas are non-neoplastic, invasive lesions created by the accumulation of keratinized squamous epithelium in the temporal bone. If left untreated, its expansion may cause local destruction of the surrounding structures, eventually leading to inner ear fistula, dehiscence of tegmen and possible intracranial pathology, and facial nerve paralysis. Surgical resection is the mainstay of curative treatment. We hereby present a case of a giant cholesteatoma in a 62-year-old patient who presented with a right-sided hemifacial spasm with later paralysis who was treated with botulinum toxin injection by a neurologist. CT scan imaging showed a very large cholesteatoma with involvement of the carotid canal, cochlea, and geniculate ganglion. The patient underwent transmastoid and subarcuate approach for resection which led to marked improvement of her symptoms.

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder that frequently coexists with different vestibular and cochlear symptoms (sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, otalgia, aural fullness, hyperacusis, dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo) and disorders (recurrent benign positional vertigo, persistent postural perceptual dizziness, mal de debarquement, and Menière’s disease). Despite evidence of an epidemiological association and similar pathophysiology between migraine and these vestibulocochlear disorders, patients suffering from migraine-related symptoms are usually underdiagnosed and undertreated. Current migraine treatment options have shown success in treating vestibulocochlear symptoms. Lifestyle and dietary modifications (reducing stress, restful sleep, avoiding migraine dietary triggers, and avoiding starvation and dehydration) and supplements (vitamin B2 and magnesium) offer effective first-line treatments. Treatment with migraine prophylactic medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline), anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate), and calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) is implemented when lifestyle and dietary modifications are not sufficient in improving a patient’s symptoms. We have included an algorithm that outlines a suggested approach for addressing these symptoms, taking into account our clinical observations. Greater recognition and understanding of migraine and its related vestibular and cochlear symptoms are needed to ensure the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of affected patients.

Objective: To evaluate tympanostomy tube placement in patients with pressuresensitive vertigo.Methods: Retrospective case series.Results: Six patients with pressure-sensitive vertigo reported resolution of their vertigo and other vestibular symptoms after placement of the tympanostomy tubes.All recurrences of symptoms were due to either extrusion or plugging of the tubes.All patients fulfilled the criteria for vestibular migraine. None of the patients had superior canal dehiscence on imaging or precedent event that triggered the problem, and all had a negative fistula test. Conclusion:Tympanostomy tube placement should be considered in selected patients with vertigo exacerbated by seemingly small changes in atmospheric pressure (e.g., just prior to thunderstorms, air travel, or travel to the mountains). By eliminating the capability of the tympanic membrane to sense changes in pressure with a tube, patients with pressure-induced vertigo (in the absence of perilymph fistula or superior canal dehiscence) may have relief of their symptoms.

No abstract