Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
04:01
Point of Care Transcranial Color-Coded Duplex Ultrasound of the Middle Cerebral Artery
Published on: August 9, 2024
Pulsatile tinnitus in cerebrovascular arterial diseases
F Hafeez1, R L Levine, D A Dulli
1Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Madison, WI, USA.
Summary
Pulsatile tinnitus may be linked to narrowed or blocked brain arteries. This study found significant associations between pulsatile tinnitus and specific arterial conditions like stenosis and tortuosity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Pulsatile tinnitus is a bothersome auditory symptom.
- Cerebral artery abnormalities can sometimes cause pulsatile tinnitus.
- Previous studies have explored various etiologies, but specific arterial links require further documentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pulsatile tinnitus and specific craniocerebral artery pathologies.
- To identify demographic and vascular risk factors differentiating patients with and without pulsatile tinnitus.
- To document the prevalence of objective and subjective pulsatile tinnitus in relation to arterial disease.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 100 patients evaluated at a stroke program.
- Inclusion criteria required angiographic detail (MRA, catheter angiography, or both).
- Patients were categorized into Group 1 (with pulsatile tinnitus) and Group 2 (without), excluding other common tinnitus causes.
Main Results:
- Severe stenosis/occlusion of internal carotid arteries was more common in Group 1 (59% vs 21%).
- Severe stenosis/occlusion of vertebral/basilar arteries was more frequent in Group 1 (38% vs 18%).
- Tortuosity and basilar artery dolichoectasia were significantly associated with pulsatile tinnitus in Group 1.
Conclusions:
- Specific craniocerebral artery diseases, including stenosis, occlusion, and tortuosity, are significantly associated with pulsatile tinnitus.
- These vascular findings were more prevalent in patients experiencing pulsatile tinnitus.
- Further investigation into vascular causes of pulsatile tinnitus is warranted.
More Related Videos
10:41Analysis of Cerebral Vasospasm in a Murine Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with High Frequency Transcranial Duplex Ultrasound
Published on: June 3, 2021
12:00Non-invasive Parenchymal, Vascular and Metabolic High-frequency Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Rat Deep Brain Imaging
Published on: March 2, 2015
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...