H H Arslan1, S Cebeci2, U Yildizoglu3, S Pusat4, F Yavuz5. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Gulhane Military Medical Academy,Etlik,Ankara,Turkey. 2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Zübeyde Hanım Maternity Hospital,Etlik,Ankara,Turkey. 3. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Beytepe Military Hospital,Cankaya,Ankara,Turkey. 4. Department of Neurosurgery,Etimesgut Military Hospital,Yenimahalle,Ankara,Turkey. 5. Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation,Etimesgut Military Hospital,Yenimahalle,Ankara,Turkey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether thiocolchicoside, a commonly used myorelaxant, may impair the acoustic reflex. METHODS: Forty-two patients scheduled to receive thiocolchicoside treatment for different reasons were enrolled in the study. Acoustic reflex thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz were determined and analysed statistically pre-treatment and on the 5th day of treatment. RESULTS: Increases were observed in the mean acoustic reflex thresholds on the 5th day of treatment compared to pre-treatment, at all frequencies, except right contralateral thresholds at 500 and 2000 Hz. These increases were statistically significant for right ipsilateral thresholds at 2000 and 4000 Hz, left ipsilateral thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, and left contralateral thresholds at 2000 and 4000 Hz (p ≤ 0.05), but not at other frequencies (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Muscle relaxant drugs, especially those affecting the central nervous system, may weaken the stapedial muscle so that the ability of noise to cause acoustic trauma may become evident. For this reason, physicians should advise their patients to avoid loud noises when muscle relaxant therapy is prescribed.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether thiocolchicoside, a commonly used myorelaxant, may impair the acoustic reflex. METHODS: Forty-two patients scheduled to receive thiocolchicoside treatment for different reasons were enrolled in the study. Acoustic reflex thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz were determined and analysed statistically pre-treatment and on the 5th day of treatment. RESULTS: Increases were observed in the mean acoustic reflex thresholds on the 5th day of treatment compared to pre-treatment, at all frequencies, except right contralateral thresholds at 500 and 2000 Hz. These increases were statistically significant for right ipsilateral thresholds at 2000 and 4000 Hz, left ipsilateral thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, and left contralateral thresholds at 2000 and 4000 Hz (p ≤ 0.05), but not at other frequencies (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Muscle relaxant drugs, especially those affecting the central nervous system, may weaken the stapedial muscle so that the ability of noise to cause acoustic trauma may become evident. For this reason, physicians should advise their patients to avoid loud noises when muscle relaxant therapy is prescribed.