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Middle-ear myoclonus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Terrence E. Zipfel ,
Srinivas R. Kaza  and
J. Scott Greene
Terrence E. Zipfel
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Geisinger Medical Centre, USA
Srinivas R. Kaza
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Geisinger Medical Centre, USA
J. Scott Greene
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Geisinger Medical Centre, USA
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

TinnitusMyoclonusMiddle earMultiple sclerosis
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 114 , Issue 3 , March 2000 , pp. 207 - 209
Copyright
Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2000

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