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Pulsatile tinnitus
Author(s) -
Levine Steven B.,
Snow James B.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198704000-00001
Subject(s) - tinnitus , medicine , pulsatile flow , vertigo , audiology , heartbeat , radiology , cardiology , surgery , computer security , computer science
Tinnitus is a frequent presenting symptom. Tinnitus that is rhythmic and synchronous with the patient's heartbeat is rare. Pulsatile tinnitus may be the only symptom of life‐threatening and treatable diseases. The presence of hearing loss or vertigo focuses the diagnostic evaluation. The cause of pulsatile tinnitus may be found on otoscopic examination. Audiologic assessment and enhanced computed tomography often contribute to the diagnosis. Increased intracranial pressure should be excluded with a fundoscopic examination. Arteriography is required to diagnose life‐threatening and treatable lesions in the presence of normal otoscopy, audiologic assessment, and enhanced computed tomography.