Pulsatile Tinnitus

Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.

The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that sounds like a rhythmic pulsing in the ear, often in time with the heartbeat. It can be a very disturbing condition for those who suffer from it and can greatly impact their quality of life. 

What is Pulsatile Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a medical condition that is characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an external sound source. Pulsatile tinnitus is a specific type of tinnitus that is characterized by a rhythmic sound that is usually heard in time with the heartbeat. The sound is often described as a pulsing or whooshing sound and is most commonly heard in one ear, although it can sometimes be heard in both.

Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus

There are many potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus, some of which are more serious than others. One of the most common causes is high blood pressure, which can cause an increased blood flow to the ear and result in the pulsing sound. Other potential causes include:

Risk Factors for Pulsatile Tinnitus

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing pulsatile tinnitus. These include:

Symptoms of Pulsatile Tinnitus

The most common symptom of pulsatile tinnitus is the perception of a rhythmic sound in the ear, often in time with the heartbeat. Other symptoms may include:

Complications of Pulsatile Tinnitus

While pulsatile tinnitus itself is not a life-threatening condition, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a tumor or vascular abnormality. It can also greatly impact a person's quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety.

Prevention and Treatment of Pulsatile Tinnitus

Preventing pulsatile tinnitus can be difficult, as many of the risk factors are not easily controllable. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of developing pulsatile tinnitus.

The treatment of pulsatile tinnitus depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is an ear infection or other minor condition, the tinnitus may resolve on its own once the underlying condition is treated. However, if the cause is more serious, such as a tumor or vascular abnormality, more aggressive treatment may be required.

Possible Role of Oriental Medicine in alternative Treatments for Pulsatile Tinnitus

There is some evidence to suggest that alternative therapies, such as Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure, may be effective in treating pulsatile tinnitus.

Oriental medicine is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that includes practices such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure. According to Oriental medicine, pulsatile tinnitus is caused by an imbalance in the body's energy, or Qi. Acupuncture and acupressure are believed to help restore balance by stimulating specific points on the body.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Studies have suggested that acupuncture may be effective in treating tinnitus, although more research is needed to determine its effectiveness specifically for pulsatile tinnitus.

Acupressure involves the application of pressure to specific points on the body, often using the fingers or thumbs. While there is limited research on the effectiveness of acupressure for tinnitus, some people report improvement in their symptoms after receiving acupressure treatments.

Other alternative therapies that may be effective in treating pulsatile tinnitus include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and sound therapy. CBT can help people with tinnitus learn coping strategies to manage their symptoms, while sound therapy uses white noise or other types of sound to help mask the tinnitus.

Conclusion

Pulsatile tinnitus is a specific type of tinnitus that can greatly impact a person's quality of life. It is important to identify the underlying cause of pulsatile tinnitus in order to determine the appropriate treatment. While conventional treatments, such as medication or surgery, may be necessary in some cases, alternative therapies such as Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure may also be effective in treating pulsatile tinnitus. If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

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