pulsatile tinnitus for a year now

[mapleleafgirl57]

A year ago I woke up one morning with pulsatile tinnitus, in both ears but far worse in the right. I also get frequent bout of inflammed throat. I also had bad sinus at the time but that has resolved. I was on every kind of antbiotic with no relief. Some days it is really bad and some not so bad but it is always there. I saw two ENT;s who had no idea nor did they care. I lucked upon another who specializes only in ears. He said most doctors only see a few cases of pulsatile tinnitus in their practice a few times and do not recogize them as being something potentially serious. I am slated for a head mri with contrast on dec. 29th, I am a little worried about this. He said only about 5 per cent is something serious, any thoughts on what this could be. I hope it is correctable and not too serious. I think it is different being as that it is both ears so it probably is not a tumour of blood vessel mass. I do have a bit of pain behind the right ear but nothing too bad. A doctor has me on prednisone now to try alleviate it but it does not seem to be working after two days. Anybody???

[Danera]

Research idiopatic intracranial hypertension

[mapleleafgirl57]

What was the cause of yours?? Was there treatment and is it gone??

[mapleleafgirl57]

Thank you both for your comments, I also suspect a swollen or inflammed eustachian tube, I hope this will show it. I will let you know when I get the results. The prednisone which I am still on a low dose, has had no effect, how frustrating. I am also taking magnesium supplements because the tingling in the legs and even hearing loss can attribute to that. The legs are much less stiff and the tingling has subsided as well. Maybe you could try that too??

[missi28]

sorry it took so long to get back! Actually, at this time, I DON'T have the puls. type of tinnitus I am so sorry to be misleading-I have had it in the past and one of my daughters has had it also. I am experiencing the ringing type right now.One of the times I had the puls.type  I was pregnant and the ent diagnosed it as eustactian tube swelling due to pregnancy. The mri was fine, not at all claustrophobic and I tend to get claustrophobic! I had a head mri in the 90's and almost made them stop due to panic, but things have changed very greatly in the design-the inside was larger than before and white with a mirror so I could see the technician. It was very very easy and the contrast was no problem at all.  The diagnosis is cochlear Meniere's (no vertigo). I'm taking a diuretic for the fluid for 6 mo. then we'll go from there. The ringing went away temporarily on the first day, but is back and my hearing has fluctuated several times so we'll see, but it is a relief to know that the mri was normal ! Good luck and I am so sorry about my tinnitus misstatement.

[whoosher]

Hi there,

I have pulsatile tinnitus, too (also for about one year now), so I completely understand the frustration and anxiety involved with the symptoms as well as with undergoing tests.  I had an MRI with contrast and it's a breeze. As others noted, be sure to fully disclose any medications you're on and known allergies just to be sure, but from what I recall most people who DO have a negative reaction to the contrast do because of an allergy.  And that's a very small number of people.  As far as how it's administered, it's just a shot in the arm.  No big deal.  The thing that makes some people nervous is claustrophobia, and if you are anxious about that you may be able to get some medication to relax you before the procedure.  Just be as open with your doctor as possible and you'll be fine!

I had a bunch of other tests as well before the cause of mine was discovered.

Now, as for pulsatile tinnitus, there is an online forum at http://www.whooshers.com with some very helpful info and support about pulsatile tinnitus. You're not alone.  There are many, many possible causes and very few doctors with the experience to diagnose and treat it properly.  That's why it's so important to depend on each other for support.  Do an online search for "whooshers" for more information.  Feel free to write me at ***@**** if you'd like to.  

I hope this helps!

[mapleleafgirl57]

I am still on the prednisone, maybe some slight improvement in the tinnitus, head mri on the 29th and now found out today I am seeing an internest on the 22 of this month. I also start physiotherapy tomorrow. I have been doing tens  and ultrasound at home along with the jacuzzi tub and that helps the legs a lot. I am hoping it is just the lower back. I did ask her about MS and she said it could not be ruled out but that it should cause weakness which I don;t have. I am so sick of beating this path,

[missi28]

I don't know about the dye yet, but I have had it before with no problems. Yes, I have had tingling and numbness for YEARS. I've had it diagnosed as B12 deficiency and now as nerve irritation related to my arthritis and spine. Yours could very well be related to your virus. Be sure you let your doc know about the prednisone.  I won't know anything for awhile, but will let you know in case it can help you in any way.Of course as we know, we might not have the same thing at all, but who knows?!

[IsangelousFoppotee]

Make sure the doctor who recognized it as pulsatile tinnitus is aware that a doctor has prescribed you prednisone. I would make sure to not take anything without his knowledge and approval, since he is proving to be the more helpful and knowledgeable doctor.

[mapleleafgirl57]

thank you and please let me know how you make out. Are you having contrast dye. I am a bit concerned about that. I have body tingles and some numbness in my feet and hands but dr figures this is still from the virus I had, maybe it is just anxiety over not knowing what is going on, I have no muscle weakness so I am thinking that is what it is. Good luck with your tests and i look forward to what you get.

[missi28]

Hi, I just went to an ENT ear spec last week and am also going to have an mri next week. I have had tinnitus my whole life and it never really occurred to me to have it checked cause I'm so used to it, but I've been having hearing loss on and off for sev. months in one ear and a speach therapist at my school recommended I check it out. ANYWAY, the good news for you is that he told me bilateral tinnitus like yours possibly is a better prognosis. Also he mentioned the POSSIBLE causes he is looking for: tumor (small possibility), fluid in inner ear, and since I just found out I have an autoimmune arthritis that could be a possibility too. I will get the disk from the imaging center and take it back to him at my next appt. I will fill you in since I'm going before you is I get a diagnosis. I also have sinus issues and am going to see one of his "rhino" partners for that issue. You could have a lot of fluid backed up with all of the issues you have-the mri should show what's going on up there. Good luck and don't worry.