Pulsatile tinnitus

[Fennelseeds]

I've always had tinnitus for as long as I can remember, ringing in both ears.

About 2 weeks ago I started to get a thumping sensation in one ear only, it lasted a few hours then stopped. It has started again today in the same ear, and has been thumping on and off all day. My ear feels like it has pressure inside it when this happens.

I've googled and it's freaked me out a little bit (have health anxiety) I'm trying to get through to my GP but the lines are permanently engaged.

I am a clencher and have been told by my dentist I have TMJ, also have anxiety so I'm not sure if it's a combination of the two or something I should be worried about?

I have no advice just sympathy, I had pulsatile tinnitus in my first pregnancy. Like a very loud dragon-boat drum going in my ear, all day and all night, I couldn't sleep.

I had low iron levels at the time which I (instinctively) feel was related. Can't hurt to get a blood test? My iron levels are fine now after taking high dose supplements for a few months (I'm off them now).

Ps I've just re-read your op and saw yours come and go. Mine never ceased for months... but went away eventually (coincidentally or not, when my iron levels rose). Sounds like hopefully you have a mild case, regardless of the cause

Thankyou for your reply. I'm hoping this is short lived like it was a few weeks ago. It's certainly annoying and distracting.

I probably started with this about 10 years ago so possibly related to the menopause? Apologies if you are a spring chicken! I'm a clencher too, also can be a bit of a stress head at times. Also I make a shit load of wax in both my ears which need to be suctioned out regularly. I have had an ECG and blood tests over the years, for unrelated issues but showed nothing untoward. I have no idea what triggers it other than maybe too much alcohol. When I mentioned it to my GP years ago he just suggested I get the wax in my ears removed! I don't worry about it anymore and just accept its something that happens to me now and again!

I had this suddenly start in my right ear and it was constant. It turned out that I had high blood pressure which went down after after I lost weight. Whilst losing weight, I started drinking Beetroot juice on a daily basis as I'd heard it was good for reducing blood pressure quickly. The pulsating stopped soon after.

Oooh I'm peri menopausal age!! Wonder if it is linked?

My BP was raised the last time I checked it 😬
I'll keep trying to get in to see my GP.
There's no way I could drink Beetroot juice 🤮

@Fennelseeds I was also perimenopausal but never knew of a connection, how interesting! The beetroot juice is actually mixed with apple juice to make it more palatable, it's called Beet It and I did get used to drinking it.

Does it taste like beetroot? If it has any hint of beetroot I don't be able to let it pass my lips 😂 I can't stand beetroot

Ohhhhh I’m not going mad then I had this about 11 months ago I just woke up with it at first it made me a bit dizzy then I went to the doctors and I had a bulging ear drum I have reapeat ear infections I’m also perimenopausal… thing is I only have this when I first wake up in the morning it’s like my heart beat then it’s settles I don’t get it after that .. unless I have an ear infection ..

I also read lots on google and it scared me a lot I have health anxiety too .. I also had low iron last March and I thought maybe that’s why I have it but it still didn’t go away also doctor checked my blood pressure and that was fine I think it’s probably due to the amount of ear infections I’ve had and it’s damaged the nerves in my ear I don’t know but it’s there every morning I wake up so annoying.

I've had this for about 8 months now. Mentioned it in passing to my GP and I had a CT scan for mine about 4 weeks ago (originally booked for an MRI but came over very claustrophobic and had to abandon it) I have to see the GP for the results tomorrow. Wasn't worried until a receptionist called during the week to ask if I was okay and if my condition deteriorated to give them a ring!

Hope it’s nothing do you get it all the time like all day mines kust when I wake up

Just wanted to post an update. Turns out my pulsatile tinnitus is caused by a rare disease called FMD (fiibromuscular dysplasia) of my carotid arteries. Apparently they resemble a string of beads which restricts blood flow to the brain. My GP has never heard of it! I've got an appointment with a vascular specialist in a couple of weeks. CT scan also picked up a nodule on my thyroid which I'm having an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration for and also I have a query meningioma on my frontal lobe which I am having further tests for. Feeling a little shell shocked to say the least!

@PanickyBill Gosh, just read your update, what a shock that must have been for you. At least you now know what it is and hopefully, the docs will know what to do to help you. I hope all your other tests are OK, keep us updated x