Pulsatile tinnitus is a condition where a person hears rhythmic sounds in their ear, similar to a heartbeat. The word "pulsatile" is spelled with a "P" for the initial sound followed by "ul" which represents the vowel sound "uh". The "s" and "t" sounds together form the consonant blend "st". The word "tinnitus" is pronounced with a silent "t" at the beginning, and is spelled with the "i" sound followed by "nn", which represents the nasal sound "n". Lastly, "itus" is pronounced with a long "i" sound and "s" at the end. The phonetic transcription of this word is pʌlsətaɪtɪnəs.
Pulsatile tinnitus is a medical condition characterized by the perception of rhythmic, pulsing sounds in the ears that mimic the heartbeat. These sounds are typically heard in synchronization with the individual's own heartbeat and can only be detected by the affected person. Pulsatile tinnitus is often described as a whooshing, throbbing, or swishing noise that can vary in intensity and may occur intermittently or persistently.
The underlying cause of pulsatile tinnitus is often related to blood flow disturbances near the ear or within the blood vessels that supply the ear. Conditions that can lead to pulsatile tinnitus include abnormalities in the blood vessels, such as vascular tumors, AVMs (arteriovenous malformations), carotid artery stenosis (narrowing), turbulent blood flow, or even high blood pressure. Other less common causes may include middle ear infections, head and neck trauma, or abnormalities in the bone structure surrounding the ear.
A thorough medical evaluation is typically required to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment for pulsatile tinnitus. This may involve a physical examination, comprehensive medical history review, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans), and specialized tests to assess blood flow and vascular health. Treatment options can vary based on the identified cause and may include medication, surgery, or other interventions targeted at alleviating or managing the underlying condition. In some cases, however, pulsatile tinnitus may be an untreatable or benign condition that does not require specific medical interventions.
The word "pulsatile" originates from the Latin word "pulsāre", which means "to beat". It encompasses the concept of rhythmic or pulsating movements. "Tinnitus", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "tinnīre", meaning "to ring or tinkle". Combined, "pulsatile tinnitus" refers to a condition where individuals perceive a rhythmic or pulsating sound in their ears.