Downbeat Nystagmus and Bilateral Sudden Hearing Loss by Suicidal Aspirin Intoxication

Ototoxic side effects such as sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus can be caused by acute salicylate intoxication. Bilateral symmetric sensorineural hearing loss involving all tested frequencies is a typical pattern of hearing loss in acute salicylate intoxication, which usually resolves within 2 or 3 days without any specific treatment for ototoxicity. Herein, we report a case of suicidal aspirin intoxication resulting in sudden bilateral hearing loss and vertigo. The patient exhibited spontaneous downbeat nystagmus, and the mechanism underlying this characteristic nystagmus is discussed.