Age: 69.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: VARZOS
Symptoms: Oedema peripheral, Synovial cyst, Viral infection
Clinical narrative: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in right ear. On February 4, 200 about two and a half weeks after I had received VARIVAX, I visited the Dr for swelling in my right leg, which was diagnosed as a Bakers cyst and prescribed 21 tablets of 4 mg methylprednisolene to be taken in decreasing doses for six days. I took these as directed. Although the instruction sheet that I was given at the time I received the vaccine, did warn that it should not be given to anyone who was on steroid medication, I was not aware that there were any precautions about the use of steroid medication for any period after the vaccination. On April 5, 2008, I was seen by Dr at the clinic, who found both my ears inflamed. I experienced no ear pain. I was given an injection for nausea and prescribed 20 amoxicillin 875mg. to be taken twice a day for 10 days, which I took as directed. I was also prescribed 10 tabs of promethazine 25mg for nausea and meclizine 25 mg tablets, both to be taken as needed. I took three promethazine tablets and five meclizine tablets and by the next morning, I was no longer nauseated, but the hearing in my right ear never improved. When my hearing had not improved, as the Dr led me to believe it would when the antibiotic cleared up the infection, I called ear nose and throat and was not able to get an appointment until May 1. Then I was given an audiology exam and was seen by the audiologist, showed me the results of the test, which should mostly normal hearing in my left ear, but almost complete loss of hearing in my right ear. He explained that the hearing loss was likely the result of a viral infection related to the chicken pox and although he told me that the treatment was most successful if begun as soon as the hearing loss symptoms appeared, because it was within a month, it was worth trying an antiviral. He prescribed VALTREX, 1gm caplet, taken twice a day for two days and 1/2 tablet once a day for two days. Both prescriptions were taken as directed. An MRI was also ordered to rule out any brain abnormality that might cause hearing loss. Then my sister, who is a registered nurse, mailed me the article from her nurses magazine. It described my symptoms exactly and supported the opinion that my hearing loss was likely the result of a viral infection. The article also indicates that many medical personnel may not be aware of this cause of hearing loss and need to get immediate treatment with anti-virals. My reason for reporting this is (1) to encourage more research on possible danger of use of steroids after vaccination with a live virus and (2) to encourage all doctors, nurses and those making medical appointments to consider the possibility of a viral infection as a cause of sudden hearing loss and to realize the sooner treatment is begun the more likely hearing can be restored. Especially in a walk- in clinic where the most likely ear problem is likely to be a pediatric ear infection, possibility of a viral infection and permanent hearing loss ought to be considered.    12/03/08-records received for DOS 5/8/08-Office note 5/16/08-office visit for sudden hearing loss episodes of vertigo improving. Assessment:sudden sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo. Office note 6/5/08-No change in symptoms.