GCA. Pulsatile tinnitus

[CavalierKC3]

May I ask what any of you good people know about pulsatile tinnitus. Do you consider my GP should see me, or at least write to me or speak to me on telephone. When I recently started hearing my heartbeat in same ear that GCA symptoms started I called my rheumatology dept & was seen. Had blood tests & because CRP was 1 & although ESR had gone from 7 to 19 I was told it had not got worse & they would askGP to sort the pulsatile tinnitus out. After I contacted surgery this morning as I had heard nothing I have just had a call from receptionist saying she has spoken to my GP & he says no need to take any action. Do you consider this is right, why get receptionist to call, could he not contact me himself, & do I ought to have any tests done

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Now you have asked the question, you will see related posts - don’t have personal experience, but the fact that your ESR has risen and that ears can be affected by GCA, O do think your Rheumy department should be taking more interest. .. as should your GP surgery.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

This may help clarify things

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

Do you have a BP cuff of your own? Check your BP and see what it is like - if you don't, many pharmacies offer the service and having your own cuff is a good idea at our age, they needn't be expensive.

If the GP is not intending to take any action, the receptionist could impart that gem. I'm inclined to think I might go to a local audiology centre and get an opinion though.

[CavalierKC3 in reply to PMRpro]

I do have BP monitor. Normally, when taken at home it is normal. I have done weekly tests & handed in & never hear any more. Don’t understand what you mean about receptionist

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to CavalierKC3]

It was fine for her to pass on a message the GP wasn't intending doing anything. I think it is appalling he didn't want to see you - but the state of primary care, I'm not surprised.

[Rugger]

I had pulsatile tinnitus about 3 months before I was diagnosed with PMR. I went to my GP who wondered if it was low blood pressure, but monitoring for a week was normal. I 'ignored' it, as we do and it went away when I started on pred for the PMR diagnosis.

3 years later, I was diagnosed with GCA-LVV and my Rheumatologist believes, with hindsight, that I've probably had GCA from the start.

What I am saying is that I imagine my pulsatile tinnitus was a symptom of GCA. I am sorry that your rheumatology department and your GP are unhelpful and seem so disinterested. 💐

[Sharitone]

FWIW, an audiologist told me recently that if I had pulsatile tinnitus, it should be checked by a GP.

[CavalierKC3 in reply to Sharitone]

Hi, do you actually have it

[Sharitone]

Only very occasionally. So I haven't reported it. But I would if it were constant for any period. I'm just passing on the audiology opinion that it needs checking out, and so your GP should at least ask you more about it before dismissing it, imho.