HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Pulsatile Tinnitus

default
Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016
Question: My husband has been experiencing a constant feeling of his heart beating in his head. This has been going on for several weeks. Sometimes if he is busy its not too noticeable but always seems to be there. Sometimes a headache accompanies it. He has heart palpitations occasionally involving entire chest and neck area, and head. These are only occasional, not daily. Headaches are more frequent 3-4 days per week. He has had an echo, a two day holter monitor study, and a stress test, all normal.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pulsatile tinnitus.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

It is called pulsatile tinnitus, it may be related to blood flow disturbances of the head or neck vessels.

Sometimes is related to stress, but other possible causes include intracranial vascular lesions ( aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations ), middle ear effusions, atherosclerotic disease, etc.

In my opinion, there's necessity for a brain MRI with vascular protocol too ( MRA) to evaluate or exclude above mentioned possibilities, since high blood pressure is excluded.

Discuss with your husband's primary care Doctor first about these issues.

He can order tests and consultations in order to achieve a correct diagnosis.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4495 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Pulsatile Tinnitus

Brief Answer: Pulsatile tinnitus. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your query and understand your concerns. It is called pulsatile tinnitus, it may be related to blood flow disturbances of the head or neck vessels. Sometimes is related to stress, but other possible causes include intracranial vascular lesions ( aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations ), middle ear effusions, atherosclerotic disease, etc. In my opinion, there's necessity for a brain MRI with vascular protocol too ( MRA) to evaluate or exclude above mentioned possibilities, since high blood pressure is excluded. Discuss with your husband's primary care Doctor first about these issues. He can order tests and consultations in order to achieve a correct diagnosis. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.