What is Pulsatile Tinnitus

I know you are looking for tinnitus cure answers. You have to be careful because there are many causes for the ringing in your ears, known as tinnitus. Some of the medical terms can be confusing so we will try and use laymen's language as much as possible.

As you probably know, some people sufferer from having a constant ringing or noise in their ears. Most of the time tinnitus comes from the damage sustained within the inner ear. But, in some cases tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying cause.

There are many different forms of tinnitus but, one form of tinnitus is known as pulsatile (pulsation or vibrating) tinnitus. We will try not to get to clinical so this explanation remains easy to read and understand. Pulsatile tinnitus is ear noise that can be heard as a rhythmic pulsing that matches your heartbeat. It is sometimes heard as a thumping or whooshing sound.

This sound is made by the individual's blood flowing through the blood vessel in the neck and head. Pulsatile tinnitus sounds are heard when the blood vessels inside the neck or head experience an larger than normal blood flow or a narrowing of the opening of the blood vessel itself. The unstable blood flow can be then heard in one or both of the ears. Pulsatile tinnitus is much different from other types of tinnitus. Most types of tinnitus the individual hears a constant steady sound. Just an note, it is rare but an individual can experience both types of tinnitus at one time.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a symptom of several underlying serious conditions, but one could be high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. This is why it can be difficult to find the exact cure for an individual's tinnitus. High blood pressure has many causes including diet, heredity, lack of exercise and others.

Although hearing a ringing in the ear can be a symptom of high blood pressure, it is not the only symptom. Typically patients with high blood pressure that experience pulsatile tinnitus do not start to hear a noise in their ears until after they start taking blood pressure medication. Common prescription drugs are a major cause of tinnitus. Often the medication has to be changed several times to stop or resolve the issue. Once the proper medication is found it will reduce the blood pressure in the blood vessels and most likely stop the tinnitus.

Several other conditions can be the cause of pulsatile tinnitus. Another cause of pulsatile tinnitus is Benign Intracranial Hypertension. You will hear it referred to as BIH. This is a condition occurs when here is an increased pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain.

This condition is mostly found in young, overweight females. A Glomus tumor is another cause of pulsatile tinnitus. This is a vascular tumor of cholesterol build up typically located in a artery next to the ear. A middle ear infection can also cause temporary pulsatile tinnitus.

As you can see pulsatile tinnitus can have many different causes and cures. Most medical professionals will look to high blood pressure first. It is very important you take note of your symptoms accurately, so you can describe to your doctor the exact symptoms. This will reduce the chances of receiving a prescription drug that may just increase your tinnitus. It is important to report any side effects as soon as possible resulting from a new medication.