Middle-ear myoclonus.
Tinnitus produced by repetitive contraction of the middle-ear muscles is a rare condition. We present an interesting case of bilateral middle-ear myoclonus causing incapacitating tinnitus in a patient with multiple sclerosis. Otological examination demonstrated rhythmic involuntary movement of the tympanic membrane. These movements correlated with a rhythmic 'rushing wind' noise perceived by the patient. Oropharyngeal examination showed no evidence of palatal myoclonus. Impedance audiometry confirmed rhythmic change in the middle-ear volume. Medical management was unsuccessful. The patient's tinnitus was subsequently cured with bilateral sectioning of the tensor tympani and stapedial tendons.
Zipfel
T E
TE
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Geisinger Medical Center, USA.
Kaza
S R
SR
Greene
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery