Sudden hearing loss and multiple cranial nerve palsies in autoimmune disease: A case report

Introduction: The relationship between autoimmune disease and sensorineural loss is well documented in literature. Immune mediated sudden hearing loss is asymmetric, bilateral and rapidly progressive but responds well to steroid therapy. However association of cranial nerve neuropathies with sudden hearing loss is rare. Case Report: A 41 year old female presented with sudden mixed hearing loss and developed multiple cranial nerve palsies within a month. Blood and Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. She responded well to definitive therapy with cyclophosphamide and azathioprine. Conclusion: If sudden hearing loss is associated with cranial neuropathy, an autoimmune work-up is highly recommended.