Citation

Psillas G, Stavrakas M, Petrou I, Rachovitsas D, Markou K. Auris Nasus Larynx 2018; 45(1): 182-185.

Affiliation

1st Academic ENT Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, 1, Stilponos Kyriakidi St., GR 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.anl.2017.01.016

PMID

28668349

Abstract

Electrical injury occurs as a result of direct contact with an electrical source. We present the case of a 62-year-old male patient, an electrician by profession, who was hit by a high-voltage electrical current while working with cables in proximity to a wet floor. The patient suffered from immediate loss of consciousness and five days later he started complaining of slight hearing loss, persistent vertigo, instability and bilateral tinnitus. A thorough audiological and vestibular examination revealed an extensive bilateral vestibulocochlear dysfunction. The exact pathogenetic mechanisms of inner ear dysfunction after electrical injury have not been fully elucidated, although it is believed that there is significant improvement with time. Long-term follow-up, medical assistance and psychological support are crucial factors for the patient management.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Caloric test; Electrical injury; Hearing loss; Otoacoustic emissions; Pure tone audiogram; Vertigo; Vestibular evoked myogenic