Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Pulsatile Tinnitus

Posted on Wed, 28 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having, not head "aches" but serious pounding only at night. these events keep me up all night on the couch because when I sit upright they can be somewhat relieved. I fall asleep and am awoken again and again. I have looked up pulsatile tinnitus . . .is it this? What can I do? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Narrowing of blood vessels/anemia/thyroid problems to rule out...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

From what you are describing, it might be pulsatile tinnitus. It is a condition where there is a pulsating sound heard similar to heart pulse. It is related to changes on the blood flow at the vessels nearby the ear, and including the vessels of the neck (arteries).

I advise to :
- run Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels to exclude narrowing of the arteries
- monitor your blood pressure (bp) and heart rate and record the results
- get further evaluation by ENT specialist to exclude ear blood flow problems
- run complete blood count to exclude anemia
- run thyroid function test to exclude thyroid problems

Depending on the findings, specific treatment will be prescribed.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar