Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus condition wherein a person keeps hearing a whooshing or pulsating sound that thumps in tune with the heart beat. This condition is also called vascular tinnitus because it is commonly caused by blood flow disruption or poor blood circulation. pulsatile tinnitus is not very common; however, the struggles an afflicted person has to go through are quite challenging.

There are different types of pulsatile tinnitus and one of the most prevalent is a condition called arterial turbulence. This is caused by restricted flow of blood that causes crimps or plaques in the arteries along the region of head and neck. The condition can worsen when the affected person suffers from high blood pressure. When this occurs, the body experiences an increased blood flow which causes the production of turbulence sound in the ears.

This form of tinnitus is different from the continuous type of tinnitus, though some people can have both types. For those people with both types of tinnitus, the sounds produced by the pulsatile tinnitus are the most irritating. Like other forms of tinnitus, the pulsatile one is not considered a disease. It is rather a symptom caused by other underlying problems. Because this condition is related to blood flow matters, the main reason could be important and must be consulted with a doctor right away. Nevertheless, this form of tinnitus is treatable.

Other conditions including the following may cause pulsatile tinnitus:

1. Arteriovenous Malformations – an irregular number of arteries and veins that occur near the cranial cavity’s auditory nerve. The beating sound is actually caused by the pulsation occurring in the auditory nerve.

2. Atherosclerosis – this condition is caused by the buildup of cholesterol on the artery wall. This causes the artery to constrict thereby causing turbulent blood flow responsible for the turbulent sound an afflicted individual can hear.

3. Benign Intracranial Hypertension – the inflated pressure placed on the fluid that surrounds the brain can cause the condition called Benign Intracranial Hypertension. This condition is signaled by hearing pulsating sound until it eventually becomes hearing loss.

4. Carotid Artery-Cavernous Sinus Fistula – this condition results from massive head trauma. It involves the abnormal merging of the large artery and large veins.

5. Infection or chronic inflammation of the middle ear – this condition causes the blood flow to increase. When this occurs, the blood flow causes a turbulent sound, similar to rapid flow of water.

6. Hypertension – in many cases, pulsatile tinnitus is caused by taking medications for hypertension. This can be treated by changing the dosage of the medication or changing it completely.

7. Glomous Tumor – also identified as vascular tumor that occurs inside or just below the ear. Surgery is often advised to correct this condition.

As mentioned earlier, pulsatile tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of other underlying conditions that need to be given immediate medical attention. Therefore, at the onset of the symptoms, it is a must that you consult with your healthcare provider.

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