Pulsatile Tinnitus

Not all tinnitus is the same. The most common type of tinnitus is non-pulsatile tinnitus, which is usually described as ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing in the ears. This type of tinnitus is often related to the hearing system itself, including hearing loss or other conditions affecting the ear.

Pulsatile tinnitus is different. Instead of a continuous ringing or buzzing, you may hear a whooshing, pulsing, thumping or heartbeat-like sound. Most importantly, the sound often occurs in rhythm with your heartbeat or pulse. This is sometimes called pulse-synchronous tinnitus.

Because pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by blood flowing through an artery or vein near the ear and brain, it demands (or requires) a different type of evaluation than ordinary tinnitus.

For many people, the cause is not dangerous. However, some causes involve abnormalities of the blood vessels around the brain and ear. The good news is that many of these causes can be identified—and certain ones can be treated.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, while the cause of MS is still unknown, scientists believe that the interaction of several different factors may be involved, including:

• Immunologic factors: In MS, an abnormal immune-mediated response attacks the myelin coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system, as well as the nerve fibers themselves.
• Environmental factors: MS is known to occur more frequently in colder climates that are farther from the equator. Lack of Vitamin D (including from lack of sunlight exposure) and smoking may be risk factors.
• Infectious factors: Scientists are exploring possible links between viruses, infections and MS, but nothing definitive has been proven.
• Genetic factors: While MS is not hereditary, studies have found that populations with higher rates of MS tend to have a higher prevalence of certain genes.

MS symptoms vary in type, severity and duration from one individual to another, depending on the amount of damage and the specific nerves affected.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Balance problems
• Blurred or double vision
• Tingling or pain in parts of the body
• Spasticity
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Bladder and bowel problems
• Depression
• Cognitive and emotional changes
• Tremor, lack of coordination
• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs--typically on one side of the body at a time or on lower half of the body
• Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time

Progression and Patterns of MS Symptoms

The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable, varying from person to person and from time to time in the same person. Multiple sclerosis symptoms often come and go, sometimes disappearing for extended periods of time before recurring. Most patients have episodic patterns of attack and remission throughout the course of the disease, while others may have a form of the disease that progresses more slowly.

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system in younger adults, affecting three times as many women as men.

At this time, there is no single, definitive laboratory test to diagnose MS and no cure for the disease. To diagnose MS, your doctor performs a neurologic examination and review of your medical history.

If you are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you know it can make your daily activities difficult. The varied and sometimes unpredictable nature of the illness means that the physical, psychological and neuropsychological implications can be different for each patient. It is important to identify an appropriate course of treatment that is developed for your specific symptoms.

Read more about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment and Rehabilitation »