Pulsatile tinnitus involves hearing a rhythmic sound, often synchronized with one’s heartbeat, while headaches manifest as discomfort in the head. A connection exists between these two symptoms, and it is multifaceted. This article explores the nature of this connection and the situations that may lead to both symptoms.
What is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a distinct type of tinnitus where individuals perceive a rhythmic sound, often described as a whooshing, throbbing, or humming, in one or both ears. This sound typically aligns with the individual’s heartbeat, differentiating it from other forms of tinnitus. The perceived noise can be intermittent or constant, and its intensity may vary. Unlike continuous ringing or buzzing, this rhythmic sound indicates a physical origin.
The sound’s synchronization with the pulse means a person can often confirm it by feeling their own heartbeat. This suggests the sound originates from changes in blood flow within vessels near the ear or head. It can sometimes be heard by a medical examiner, classifying it as objective tinnitus.
How Pulsatile Tinnitus and Headaches Are Linked
The association between pulsatile tinnitus and headaches often stems from shared underlying physiological processes within the head and neck. Conditions affecting normal blood flow can manifest as both rhythmic sounds and head pain. For instance, turbulent blood flow through narrowed or irregular blood vessels can create audible sounds and contribute to headache development. When blood flow becomes uneven, it can generate more noise, similar to how water flowing through a constricted pipe becomes louder.
Increased pressure inside the skull, known as intracranial pressure, can also connect these symptoms. Elevated intracranial pressure can compress sensitive structures, leading to headaches, and simultaneously alter blood flow dynamics, resulting in pulsatile tinnitus. This elevated pressure can affect the large veins that drain blood from the brain, causing them to narrow and produce a whooshing sound. Additionally, irritation or compression of certain cranial nerves can contribute to both head pain and the perception of internal sounds.
Underlying Causes of Both Pulsatile Tinnitus and Headaches
Several medical conditions are known to cause both pulsatile tinnitus and headaches, often by affecting blood flow or pressure within the head. One such condition is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), where there is elevated pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain without an identifiable cause. IIH commonly presents with headaches, often described as pressure-like, and pulsatile tinnitus, which is present in a significant number of individuals with the condition.
Vascular abnormalities can also lead to both symptoms. These include arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), which are irregular connections between arteries and veins that create turbulent blood flow. Narrowing of blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, can also cause turbulent flow heard as pulsatile tinnitus and potentially contribute to headaches due to altered blood supply.
Systemic conditions affecting the body’s overall circulation can similarly play a role. Severe anemia, characterized by a low red blood cell count, can increase blood flow velocity as the heart works harder to deliver oxygen. This increased flow can produce pulsatile tinnitus and may also be accompanied by headaches. Similarly, conditions like hyperthyroidism can accelerate heart rate and blood flow, leading to pulsatile tinnitus and sometimes associated head discomfort.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
It is important to seek medical evaluation if you experience persistent pulsatile tinnitus, especially when it occurs alongside headaches. These symptoms can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires accurate diagnosis and potentially specific treatment.
When discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional, be prepared to describe the nature of the sound, such as its rhythm and perceived loudness, and whether it changes with head position or activity. Also, detail your headaches, including their frequency, intensity, and any other accompanying symptoms like vision changes or dizziness.