Management of palatal myoclonic tinnitus based on clinical characteristics: a large case series study

Background: Palatal myoclonic tinnitus (PMT) is a rare otological condition caused by rhythmic contractions of soft palate muscles. Due to its rarity, only a few case series studies have been reported in the literature at the present time.Aims: This large case series study reviews treatment outcomes of PMT patients over the past 15 years based on clinical characteristics.Materials and methods: Between the year 2003 and 2018, 54 patients with a diagnosis of PMT were assessed. Clinical characteristics, audiological findings, psychological status, and other relevant medical history were thoroughly reviewed. Response to various treatment modalities were retrospectively analyzed.Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 29.0 ± 16.4 years, with female gender predominance. All of the patients complained of 'clicky' sounding tinnitus. Twenty-nine patients had comorbid tinnitus of other type. Reassurance and behavior therapy was sufficient for young patients. Medication was effective in 44.4% of the patients. Botulinum toxin injection in the palate led to complete resolution of symptoms in a majority of intractable PMT patients.Conclusions and significance: Management of PMT should be customized according to the individual clinical characteristics of the patients. This study may provide insightful information to establish optimal treatment modalities for PMT.