Pulsatile Tinnitus

Abstract

The clinical findings and imaging studies must always be evaluated together. Thorough history-taking and clinical examination are the basis for the efficient use of imaging studies to reveal the cause of pulsatile tinnitus.

The manifestation of vortical and secondary flow in the cerebral venous outflow tract: An in vivo MR velocimetry study

“…MS association with internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis has been quite controversial with some groups suggesting association (McTaggart et al, 2012; Zamboni et al, 2009), and others refuting the association (Sundstrom et al, 2010; Wattjes et al, 2011). Several venous etiologies for PT have been suggested including high-riding jugular bulb, venous sinus stenosis, sinus and jugular vein diverticulum and venous webs (Amans et al, 2014; Chiarella et al, 2012; Hofmann et al, 2013; Krishnan et al, 2006; Madani and Connor, 2009). Several open and endovascular interventions have even been developed to treat anomalies of the CVOT (Ahmed et al, 2011; Eisenman, 2011; Houdart et al, 2000; Starke et al, 2015).…”

Clinical Significance of an Unusual Variation: Anomalous additional belly of the sternothyroid muscle

“…18 Sigmoid sinus enlargement can cause pulsatile tinnitus. 19 In the current case, the sulcus of the right sigmoid sinus was significantly enlarged, perhaps due to the compression of the IJ vein by the anomalous lateral belly on the right side. The usual course of the sigmoid sulcus is vertical on the mastoid section of the temporal bone, followed by anteromedial in the jugular process of the occipital bone and terminating at the jugular foramen.…”

Increasing awareness with recognition of pulsatile tinnitus for nurse practitioners in the primary care setting

“…Pulsatile tinnitus is the most common clinical symptom of a DAVF (Hofmann et al, 2013). A DAVF should be considered when pulsatile tinnitus is audible to the examiner.…”

“…Pulsatile tinnitus is usually heard unilaterally. Most causes of pulsatile tinnitus are vascular and may originate from either an arterial or a venous source (Hofmann, Behr, Neumann-Haefelin, & Schwager, 2013;Sismanis, 2011). There is usually a physical source of sound that causes pulsatile tinnitus, which can be identified in up to 70 percent of reported cases (Hofmann et al, 2013).…”

“…The sound of pulsatile tinnitus is transmitted to the cochlea by bony or vascular structures (Sismanis, 2011). It is believed that pulsatile tinnitus may be audible as a result of turbulent blood flow in which the flow of blood accelerates or changes to disrupt laminar flow, such as in a DAVF (Hofmann et al, 2013). Hofmann et al (2013) further suggested that pulsatile tinnitus may be heard as a result of "alterations in the inner ear with increased bone conduction or as a result of disturbance of sound conduction leading to loss of the masking effect of external sounds" (p. 452).…”