What is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
What is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a form of noise that is within a person’s ear. This noise does not originate from an external source and this condition can be found in many different forms. In the form of pulsatile tinnitus, this noise is intermittent, pulsating, or continuous in time with a person’s heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus is most often categorized by the whooshing or thumping sound that will happen every time the heart beats. This type of tinnitus is often also called vascular tinnitus. This is because the condition is directly related to a disturbance in blood flow.
Pulsatile tinnitus only makes up roughly 3% of the diagnoses of tinnitus. The condition is a result of a disturbance in the blood flow of the head or neck. This is usually a direct result from one of two things. Either the blood flow is increased or the blood vessel opening has become narrow. In either case, the blood flow becomes so strong that it can be heard in the ears. The sound you hear will actually be the blood flowing quickly through the blood vessels or arteries close to the ear. Pulsatile tinnitus is very different than other types of Tinnitus which are caused by damage or disease in the ear. In most cases, this condition develops in only one ear, not both.
Pulsatile tinnitus is a very serious condition and should be investigated by a doctor immediately. Increased blood flow in the head can lead to many conditions including stroke. If you have developed this condition, your doctor will run certain tests to see if you should be diagnosed with Pulsatile tinnitus. These tests may begin with simple x-rays. However, if your doctor doesn’t find anything to justify the noises you are hearing you should request further tests such as an MRI. X-Ray’s only show the condition of your bone and other hard masses they will not show the flow of blood through your vessels this will require more advanced testing.
Pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by a number of different factors including hypertension, tumors, even atherosclerosis which is a condition of the arteries. The treatments will vary depending on the exact cause of the disease. If the condition is caused by the inner ear filling with fluid then it could be as simple as closing your mouth and plugging your nose then blowing out. However, there are many other treatments for the condition. Some clinics specialize in this very condition.
The biggest problem with this condition is that many people suffer for long periods of time before realizing there is a medical term for what they are experiencing. As mentioned before, the condition can lead to stroke and other brain disorders. For this reason, some people end up with serious effects because they ignore the condition. If you think you might be experiencing the sounds or noise in your ears of this condition, you should immediately seek the advice of a physician. Putting off the diagnosis of can be very dangerous.
Pulsatile Tinnitus Tip #1
You do not have to suffer from pulsatile tinnitus. See your doctor in order to determine which treatments are best for you. Some people will not have any relief from one specific treatment, but it can completely cure the tinnitus in another person. The treatments of tinnitus will depend upon the underlying condition that is responsible for the noise.
Pulsatile Tinnitus Tip #2
Pulsatile tinnitus requires a doctor’s care. This type of tinnitus is normally caused by too much blood flow to the head. This can result in a stroke. In order to determine the cause, you doctor may order a series of tests, including x-rays. Depending upon the diagnosis, you doctor may also prescribe medications to help treat the tinnitus.
Pulsatile Tinnitus Tip #3
Pulsatile Tinnitus can be caused by a number of underlying factors. Hypertension, or high blood pressure is one of the most common causes. There are others however, that can be just as dangerous, such as infections and tumors. Be sure to see your doctor right away if you have the symptoms of pulsatile tinnitus.
