Pulsatile Tinnitus? Know the Cause—and When to Act
Many people have experienced tinnitus, or “ringing in the ears;” it is often temporary and resolves itself over time. However, some people experience a rare form of tinnitus that sounds like a rhythmic thumping sound in the ear or a whooshing in one or both ears. This form of tinnitus pulses in time with the heartbeat and is called pulsatile tinnitus. It can be the first warning of a more serious medical condition and should be evaluated.
What Causes Pulsatile Tinnitus?
The rhythmic pulse of pulsatile tinnitus distinguishes it from the constant ring or buzz of general tinnitus and happens when an underlying condition changes the flow of blood in the vessels around the ears, at the base of the skull, or in the neck. Sometimes pulsatile tinnitus can be one of several brain aneurysm symptoms, as it can result from a more serious medical condition like arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, stenosis, or aneurysms.
Other common causes of pulsatile tinnitus include:
- Ear infection
- Anemia
- Middle ear tumors
- Head trauma
- Structural abnormalities like intracranial hypertension or Paget’s Disease
In addition, vascular causes of pulsatile tinnitus — or conditions that affect your blood vessels can cause blood to move through your veins with more force, making the whooshing more noticeable. These may include atherosclerosis or high blood pressure.
Most of the time pulsatile tinnitus does not indicate an emergency, but it is a symptom of another condition and should be evaluated to rule out underlying complications. If your pulsatile tinnitus starts suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, or changes in vision, you should seek immediate medical attention, especially if the symptoms appear after a head injury.
New Jersey Brain and Spine is the area’s top neurovascular center. Our subspecialists have a deep understanding of the underlying conditions that cause pulsatile tinnitus.
How Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Diagnosed?
Most patients who experience tinnitus or pulsatile tinnitus will first see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor who will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical and hearing exam to rule out minor infections or temporary conditions as the cause. Sometimes the cause can’t be identified. Depending on your symptoms and the physical evaluation, you may be referred to a vascular specialist who will order imaging tests to further examine the blood vessels in and around your head:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of the blood vessels and soft tissues in the head and neck, allowing doctors to identify any vascular abnormalities, tumors, or structural issues.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans provide detailed images of the blood vessels and bony structures of the head and neck to help your doctor detect things like vascular abnormalities or deformities of the bony structures that may be causing the pulsatile tinnitus.
New Jersey Brain and Spine is one of the highest-volume neurovascular centers in the Northeast region, which places us at the forefront of neurosurgical care and enables us to offer many innovative diagnostic and treatment options.
Is There a Cure for Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Resolving pulsatile tinnitus requires identifying and treating the underlying cause. If the reason for the pulsatile tinnitus is something like an infection or high blood pressure, your pulsatile tinnitus may be cured with medication and lifestyle changes. If it is due to a vascular condition, surgical intervention may be recommended.
At New Jersey Brain and Spine, our highly skilled neurovascular specialists diagnose and treat a wide variety of vascular conditions. We are committed to staying at the forefront of treatment advances and offer cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures that shorten hospital stays and recovery times.
What’s the Outlook? Can I Live with Pulsatile Tinnitus?
The outlook for pulsatile tinnitus depends on the underlying cause. Most of the conditions that cause pulsatile tinnitus can be resolved with medication, lifestyle changes, or minimally invasive procedures. However, because the underlying cause can be serious, it’s essential to see a physician for diagnosis and treatment. If you’re in the New Jersey area, our specialists are available 24/7 for urgent evaluation, advanced diagnostics, and specialized treatments. With a focus on comprehensive and compassionate care, we carefully tailor every treatment plan to each patient.
If you’re in the New Jersey area and you’re experiencing a whooshing or thumping in your ears, you might be suffering from pulsatile tinnitus. This symptom can be frustrating and disruptive to daily life, but there are options that provide relief and improve your quality of life.
Contact New Jersey Brain and Spine specialists to discuss your condition and your treatment options. We have convenient locations in Hackensack, Montclair, Montvale, Paramus and Palisades/North Bergen to conveniently serve the needs of you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pulsatile Tinnitus
What is pulsatile tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare form of tinnitus that sounds like a rhythmic thumping or whooshing in one or both ears. The thump or whoosh pulses in rhythm with the heartbeat.
When should I worry about pulsatile tinnitus?
If the sensation doesn’t go away or becomes more intense over time, you should seek care to rule out other, more serious underlying conditions.
Can pulsatile tinnitus be treated or cured?
Pulsatile tinnitus can be relieved when the underlying cause is identified and addressed. Treatment will vary based on the cause, but may include medication or surgery.
What kind of doctor treats pulsatile tinnitus?
A doctor that specializes in disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) can diagnose and treat the underlying cause of pulsatile tinnitus. In some cases, a neurologist may be involved if the underlying cause is related to a neurological condition.
Is pulsatile tinnitus linked to aneurysms?
While aneurysms are not the most common cause of pulsatile tinnitus, they can disrupt normal blood flow and cause the rhythmic whooshing sound. Because pulsatile tinnitus can be the only symptom of an aneurysm, it’s important to have it evaluated as soon as possible.
When is pulsatile tinnitus an emergency?
Most cases of pulsatile tinnitus are not serious; however because it can signal a more serious underlying condition, you should seek immediate medical care if pulsatile tinnitus is sudden, occurs in just one ear, or is accompanied by symptoms like severe headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, or vision changes.
Should I go to the ER for pulsatile tinnitus?
If pulsatile tinnitus comes on suddenly, especially if it is accompanied by other neurological symptoms like sudden hearing loss, facial paralysis, vertigo, or trouble with balance, you should seek immediate medical care.
