Pulsatile Tinnitus

Hi, @Johnnyb,

I'm so sorry you're having problems with both tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus. I have both, too, and I certainly understand the frustration you're feeling right now.

Most ENT's don't know a lot about pulsatile tinnitus and/or don't have the time to help their patients explore different options to find a diagnosis. My suggestion would be for you to try going to another type of doctor, such as a neurologist or neurotologist, if there is one in your area. He or she might be able to spend a little more time with you, and perhaps suggest additional testing that could help to locate the problem.

Do you know of any changes in your health that took place in May, when your T and PT started? Do you have any other ongoing conditions?

Pulsatile tinnitus is usually vascular in nature (meaning that it might involve the veins or arteries) and should at least be checked out.

We're glad you've joined us, and I hope you'll keep us posted on how you're doing.

Best wishes,
Karen

 

Johnnyb,

That's good! Now, do you know what kinds of scans he is going to order? I'm wondering if he will prescribe an MRI first. If he does, you might want to ask if they will also do an MRA (arteries) and MRV (veins) for you, which they can do at the same time as the MRI.

 

Well, I know a little bit about diazepam (Valium), because I've taken it before. It is supposed to be highly addictive, but I only took it when I really needed it, so I didn't become addicted. However, it may be ototoxic (harmful to the ears). If you're only taking it for a short time, it may be OK.

Propranolol also may be ototoxic, but if there is a good reason you're taking it, you probably should continue. I took it for a short time, for high blood pressure. I had to stop taking it because it made my pulse pound whenever it was time to take the next dose. That was right around the time my pulsatile tinnitus started, and I still think mine was caused by blood pressure meds.

Here's an article citing both of these drugs as being ototoxic:
http://nowhearthisclinic.com/cms2/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Ototoxic_Brochure.pdf

If you want to try to some natural supplements that are not ototoxic, you could try magnesium, which is calming, and has helped me with sleep. Another natural supplement to try for natural calming is holy basil.

Do you know what might have caused your tinnitus and/or pulsating to begin, or did both of them begin suddenly?