A Case of Bilateral Hearing Loss.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute onset of bilateral hearing loss as well as vertigo and severe vomiting. The Head Impulse- Nystagmus-Test of Skew exam was indicative of a central neurologic process. Computed tomography angiogram of the head and neck revealed near-total bilateral vertebral artery occlusions in the second and third segments. The patient was admitted for further evaluation; subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple areas of infarction in the cerebellar hemispheres, medulla, and occipital lobes.

DISCUSSION: This case describes a unique presentation of a posterior stroke. Common symptoms include vertigo, loss of balance, and vomiting. However, bilateral hearing loss as a prominent symptom is uncommon. Imaging revealed a rare finding of bilateral vertebral artery occlusion.