What Causes Chronic Pulsating Sensation In Head?

Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2015

Question: My dad has had this pulsing sensation in his head for over a year now. The doctors thought it might be the corradded artery or pulsatiltenitis but that's just them guessing. they have said a couple times that there is nothing that can be done about it but they don't even know what it actually is. They keep scheduling my dad for random tests, making him wait weeks on end with this hellish pounding in his head and none of them care. I've seen my dad sobbing in the mornings because the pounding kept him up all night and it never stops. My dad keeps saying he can't live like this and it is terrifying. Please help and please act like you actually care about this patient. These doctors only care about money just like every other doctor in this country.. the ENT guy my dad has been sent to doesn't seem to care about helping him either. I'm assuming I have to spend money to get any kind of outsider help too. Please help

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vascular malformations should be evaluated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

I agree with the fact that first there is need for a correct diagnosis, and after that is achieved, treatment or not should be obvious.

Pulsating sensation in head, especially if in synchronization with the heart beat is probably of brain vascular malformations.

Ear noise is usually related to hearing nerve(s) dysfunction due to viral infection or damage as a side effect of drugs.

There is need to know what tests underwent your father and their results.

Appropriate tests in this case would be brain imaging with MRI ( vascular protocols too) and digital subtracting arteriography of brain vessels.

These tests have a sensitivity of 98% of showing any vascular malformations.

Again, treatment depends upon diagnosis.

These issues should be discussed with your father's Doctor.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

they had an MRA and that there's nothing they can do about blood vessels. what kind of treatments do people get for that?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
MRA results needed.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Could you give more information, or could you upload the MRA results?

Correct me if I understood wrong, there were found any brain vessels issues?

Awaiting for more information...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (53 minutes later)

They were looking at the corradded artery and found nothing. They haven't found any brain vessel issues with the MRA either. Thank you I appreciate the help

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Digital subtracting arteriography is a more accurate diagnostic tool.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

If MRA didn't found any vascular lesion, this is good news, however MRA detects brain vascular lesion in about 90-95% of cases.

Digital subtracting arteriography (DSA) is a more sensitive tool in diagnosing brain vascular lesions in about 98% of cases, but it is an invasive procedure.

In my opinion, your father should undergo DSA in order to have a complete evaluation about its concerns.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar