Journal de traumatisme et de traitement

Perilymphatic Fistula Following a Closed Head Injury

Abstract

Zolnourian A and Paramanathan V

We present a case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss and paroxysmal positional vertigo following a closed head injury. A perilymphatic fistula (PLF) was suspected in the absence of any other definite diagnostic findings. The patient underwent exploratory tympanotomy. Fistula was grafted which noticeably improved his vestibular symptoms. PLF must be considered in post-traumatic sensorineural hearing loss with or without other vestibular symptoms. Surgical treatment with patching of oval and round windows remains an effective treatment, but its effect on hearing loss is less predictable.