Shah Ankita, Paudel Deepak, Shah Aman
Otorhinolaryngology & HNS, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
J Med Case Rep. 2025 Jan 7;19(1):4. doi: 10.1186/s13256-024-05021-0.
Intra-aural tick infestations, though uncommon, pose a serious clinical challenge owing to the risk of acute labyrinthitis-an inflammatory condition of the inner ear. This inflammation can lead to severe complications such as sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, and facial nerve palsy. Prompt recognition and management are crucial to prevent these adverse outcomes.
A 21-year-old female patient of Limbu ethnicity from Dharan presented with sudden-onset right-sided otalgia, accompanied by vertigo, emesis, and auditory impairment. Otoscopic examination revealed a tick lodged in the anteroinferior aspect of the external auditory canal, and audiological assessment indicated profound sensorineural hearing loss on the affected side. Treatment involved careful tick removal using suction and forceps, supplemented by pharmacotherapy including antiinflammatory agents, analgesics, systemic steroids, and prophylactic antibiotics. Her symptoms resolved completely within 4 weeks, with postinterventional audiometry confirming restored auditory acuity.
This case underscores the importance of prompt clinical assessment and treatment in cases of aural tick infestation. The successful use of a multimodal approach highlights the effectiveness of comprehensive management. Further research is warranted to optimize treatment strategies and improve outcomes in similar cases.
耳内蜱虫感染虽不常见，但由于存在急性迷路炎（一种内耳炎症）的风险，会带来严重的临床挑战。这种炎症可导致严重并发症，如感音神经性听力损失、眩晕和面神经麻痹。及时识别和处理对于预防这些不良后果至关重要。
一名来自达兰的21岁林布族女性患者，出现突发的右侧耳痛，并伴有眩晕、呕吐和听力障碍。耳镜检查发现一只蜱虫嵌顿在外耳道的前下方，听力评估显示患侧有严重的感音神经性听力损失。治疗包括使用吸引器和镊子小心地取出蜱虫，并辅以药物治疗，包括抗炎药、镇痛药、全身性类固醇和预防性抗生素。她的症状在4周内完全缓解，干预后的听力测定证实听力恢复。
该病例强调了在耳部蜱虫感染病例中及时进行临床评估和治疗的重要性。多模式方法的成功应用凸显了综合管理的有效性。有必要进一步研究以优化治疗策略并改善类似病例的治疗效果。
