About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Hearing Loss may be a Symptom of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

by Sheela Philomena on March 14, 2013 at 1:09 PM
 Hearing Loss may be a Symptom of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Hearing loss in both ears could be a symptom of the rare but always-fatal Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. That was the conclusion of Henry Ford Hospital researchers after encountering a 67-year-old patient who had been progressively losing hearing in both ears for two months and was eventually diagnosed with the disease.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, or CJD, is often confused with so-called "mad cow disease," and though they are in the same family of disorders, are not the same.

Advertisement

However, both are always fatal and share such symptoms as impaired thinking, jerky body movements, memory loss and dementia. Once infected with CJD, the brain develops holes, resulting in tissue which resembles a sponge.

The report will be presented March 19 during the annual scientific meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in San Diego.

According to Ahmad Riad Ramadan, M.D., a Henry Ford neurologist and lead author, when the patient sought treatment he had no significant medical history and was complaining only of a continuing, rapid loss of hearing in both ears, and tinnitus - a "ringing in the ears" - that is a common side effect of hearing loss.
Advertisement

"This was followed by the kind of cognitive decline that is typical of CJD," Ramadan said. "During the patient's hospital stay, he also showed signs of ataxia - a lack of coordination - and myoclonus - a spastic muscle twitch."

Testing found the presence of a telltale protein, and other conditions, that led to a diagnosis of CJD. Researchers noted that the patient's hearing never improved and he died a month after seeking treatment.

Ramadan said the researchers' findings were only the fourth time, based on available literature, that hearing loss such as that found in their patient was recognized as the first symptom of CJD.

This "sensorineural hearing loss," also called "nerve deafness," is the most common cause of permanent impairment; it is hearing loss which results from involvement of the inner ear, auditory nerve, or central auditory pathways in the brain/brainstem.

As the first, or presenting, symptom of their patient, the researchers concluded that testing for CJD in those with fast-progressing hearing impairment should be considered by treating physicians.

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Brain Circuits That Shape Bedtime Rituals in Mice
New study sheds light on the intrinsic, yet often overlooked, role of sleep preparation as a hardwired survival strategy.
NELL-1 Protein Aids to Reduce Bone Loss in Astronauts
Microgravity-induced bone loss in space, can be reduced by systemic delivery of NELL-1, a protein required for bone growth and its maintenance.
Connecting Genetic Variants to the Alzheimer's Puzzle
Researchers establish connections between Alzheimer's-linked genetic alterations and the functioning of brain cells.
Gene Therapy Sparks Spinal Cord Regeneration
Team at NeuroRestore introduces a groundbreaking gene therapy that has effectively promoted nerve regrowth and reconnection, post spinal cord injury.
Unlocking the Gut Microbiome's Influence on Bone Density
Scientists aim to pinpoint particular functional pathways affected by these bacteria that may have an impact on skeletal health.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Hearing Loss may be a Symptom of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests