Clinical Reasoning: Labyrinthine hemorrhage

Abstract

A 65-year-old man presented with a 2-week history of worsening vertigo. The sensation of vertigo was constant and exacerbated by turning in bed, sitting, and standing. Exacerbations lasted 5-10 minutes and were intense enough to cause gait impairment. Two days prior to presentation, the vertigo had worsened in severity and was associated with one episode of nausea and vomiting. Review of systems was positive for a 3-month history of a whistling noise in the patient's left ear, a 2-week history of acute-on-chronic left-sided hearing impairment, and a recent upper respiratory infection.The patient's medical history was notable for a left radical mastoidectomy performed 14 years prior to presentation for treatment of complications of chronic otitis media, which resulted in chronic leftsided hearing impairment. Medical history also included hepatitis C and remote alcohol and heroin abuse.Questions for consideration: