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An unusual presentation of epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2011

F J Uddin ,
C Nogueira  and
A Sama
F J Uddin
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
C Nogueira*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
A Sama
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Miss C Nogueira, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK E-mail: claudia.nogueira@nuh.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

To report a case of fluctuating hearing due to auditory aura, as an unusual presentation of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods:

Case report and review of English language literature on temporal lobe epilepsy and auditory aura.

Results:

A 31-year-old man presented with intermittent symptoms of bilateral fullness in the ears associated with deafness. He was subsequently diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy. Further enquiry revealed a family history of epilepsy.

Conclusion:

Auditory aura as a presentation of temporal lobe epilepsy is rarely encountered in otolaryngological practice. This case highlights the importance of obtaining detailed information on epilepsy, including any family history of epilepsy, as a routine part of history-taking in patients presenting with fluctuating hearing loss.

Keywords

Auditory AuraEpilepsyDeafness
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 6 , June 2011 , pp. 633 - 634
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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