Pulsatile Tinnitus
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Advanced relief for pulsatile tinnitus
We care for people with pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmic pulsing or rushing noise caused by conditions affecting blood circulation near the ears. Pulsatile tinnitus can interfere with daily activities and cause distress.
Our team includes specialists in neurology and radiology who work together to identify the cause of your symptoms. Pulsatile tinnitus may stem from a range of underlying conditions, including:
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High blood pressure
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Structural abnormalities in the ear or nearby blood vessels
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Brain inflammation
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Nearby tumors
We work with you to determine the best treatment approach, focusing on easing symptoms or addressing the underlying cause of the problem. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications or surgery.
We've helped many patients who were previously misdiagnosed, and we welcome people seeking second opinions.
Our team also conducts research on pulsatile tinnitus to find new treatments or ways to manage the condition. Learn more about clinical trials and how they work.
Here’s what to know when making an appointment for pulsatile tinnitus at UCSF Health.
Advanced relief for pulsatile tinnitus
We care for people with pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmic pulsing or rushing noise caused by conditions affecting blood circulation near the ears. Pulsatile tinnitus can interfere with daily activities and cause distress.
Our team includes specialists in neurology and radiology who work together to identify the cause of your symptoms. Pulsatile tinnitus may stem from a range of underlying conditions, including:
-
High blood pressure
-
Structural abnormalities in the ear or nearby blood vessels
-
Brain inflammation
-
Nearby tumors
We work with you to determine the best treatment approach, focusing on easing symptoms or addressing the underlying cause of the problem. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications or surgery.
We've helped many patients who were previously misdiagnosed, and we welcome people seeking second opinions.
Our team also conducts research on pulsatile tinnitus to find new treatments or ways to manage the condition. Learn more about clinical trials and how they work.
Here’s what to know when making an appointment for pulsatile tinnitus at UCSF Health.
Get care
Providers
Matthew Amans, MD, MS
Neuroradiology • Diagnostic Radiology
Charles Limb, MD
Neurotology • Pediatric Otolaryngology
Kazim Narsinh, MD
Interventional Neuroradiology
Jeffrey D. Sharon, MD
Neurotology • Cochlear Implant
Making an appointment
Referrals are welcome, but you do not need one to make an appointment.
If you’ve received a pulsatile tinnitus diagnosis from your primary care provider or another doctor, please submit the following documents to our office by mail or fax:
- Referral. Have your doctor complete and submit our referral form.
- Medical records. Ask your doctor to send us your records, including information about your symptoms and any other medical conditions.
- Medical images. If you have head or neck images from a CT, MRI, MRA or PET scan, send them to us or provide us with authorization for access.
- Demographic and insurance information. Send us your address, contact information and a copy of your insurance card (front and back).
- Insurance authorization. Contact your insurance company to determine whether they require prior authorization for CPT code 99205 (evaluation: 2 units). If so, work with your referring doctor's office to obtain authorization for your appointment. If you find that your insurance company does not require prior authorization, please send us a note documenting your conversation (call reference number, agent name, phone number and any additional details). If you are covered by Medicare Part B, you do not need to get prior authorization.
Award-winning care
Best in the West and No. 2 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Carotid Stenosis
- Central Venous Stenosis
- Cerebral Aneurysm
- Dural Arteriovenous Fistula
- Pulsatile Tinnitus
Treatments
- Cerebral Angiogram with Tumor Embolization
Research initiatives
Pulsatile Tinnitus Clinic ResearchOpens in a new window
We conduct research to enhance our understanding of pulsatile tinnitus and explore innovative approaches to treatment.UCSF Department of Neurology ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Department of Neurology conducts research to improve understanding of neurological disorders, with the goals of finding better treatments and methods of prevention.UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging is home to many state-of-the-art research labs, all working to use imaging technologies to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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