A Case of Pulsatile Tinnitus Caused by Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in the Female Obese Patient

Abstract

Tinnitus is a common but troublesome symptom that often interferes with daily life and its treatment has not yet been established. However, pulsatile tinnitus can be cured in most cases when the related anatomical or functional cause is removed. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) commonly manifests with headache, nausea, vomiting, pulsatile tinnitus and diplopia, while no structural lesion or vascular abnormality is identified in the intracranial cavity. Methods: We discuss a case of a 23-year-old woman who complained of pulsatile tinnitus by IIH and was successfully treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (acetazolamide). Results: In Korea, incidence of IIH-induced pulsatile tinnitus is low, which might be due to the fact that high degree obesity is not common compared with western countries. Particular caution is necessary because the diagnostic work-up for pulsatile tinnitus in Korea may not routinely include screening for IIH-related symptoms and signs. Conclusion: We therefore report this case with a review of existing literature.