Pulse Tinnitus

[RobertCLL]

I was diagnosed with Pulse Tinnitus 2 years ago. I have the sensation of hearing the whoosh sound of blood in my head all the time, it’s worse at rest and after a heavy meal. It’s not a major deal, but it’s an annoyance.

I have received a CT scan which was unremarkable and a Ultrasound Doppler test noted a < 50 % reduction in the Carotid Artery. My GP has listened to my neck and head and was unable to hear anything via the stethoscope.

I must add that I have Leukaemia and current receive tablet chemotherapy via a daily oral drug called Ibrutinib. This is one of these new smart drugs what targets specific cell lines without damaging others. It could be a side effect of the drug, but it’s not listed in the patient information as a side effect and I know of other patients who are on the same drug and do not exhibit this symptom. My current blood levels are normal

I have experience this sensation once before, back in 2007 when on chemotherapy, when my Haemoglobin drooped to less than 10 g/dL.

I am posting here to see if anyone else has the same situation.

Regards

Robert

UK, Bournemouth. Dx May 2000. Age 63.

2002 Oral Fludarabine.

June 04 and Jan 05 4 weeks of Rituxan.

Oct 05/Feb 06 monthly Rituxan and Chlorambucil.

July/Dec 08 RFC.

June 2012 Bendamustine and Ofatumumab, but changed to Rituxan.

2014 to date IVIG.

Jan 2017 Ibrutinib.

Trisomy 12 (NOTCH 1 and SF3B1 unmutated), IgVH mutated, ZAP70 -ve, CD38 -ve.

[JEHSPORT]

Hi RobertCLL. Sorry to hear you have developed a pulsating sound.

Is it in time with your pulse? Not the same situation as you but I developed pulsatile tinnitus in 2017 and have been on a journey with medics to try to work out what is causing it. Please know that if it is pulsatile tinnitus it is not the same as tinnitus. Has your GP referred you anywhere? the usual route is ENT but sadly many seem to treat it as tinnitus. Maybe search for pulsatile tinnitus on here and have a look at the whooshers webpages/Facebook page. Take care.

[RobertCLL in reply to JEHSPORT]

Hi

Yes in exact time with the pulse. I have received a CT scan which was unremarkable, a Ultrasound Doppler test and 24 hr blood pressure, nothing shown as abnormal.

So, GP is saying live with it!

[JEHSPORT in reply to RobertCLL]

That's often the case. Mine didn't show anything on MRI or ultrasound. It wasn't until MRA that anything unusual showed. That led to CTv and angiogram. Sometimes it is better to describe it as a bruit rather than tinnitus or even pulsatile tinnitus. Have a look at the pages I mentioned above. Good luck.

[RobertCLL in reply to JEHSPORT]

What was your solution?

[JEHSPORT in reply to RobertCLL]

They have seen a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) on the MRA, CTv and angiogram. I have an appointment in April to discuss the results & hopefully the way forward. Unlike tinnitus, often PT can be treated.