@phxbarb I had x-ray for the tilted neck discs. The MRI checked the brain for tumors which can cause Pulsative Tinnitus. Your neurologist should be ordering this test. On the internet information is available . If you have a tumor then brain surgery is needed for removal as the tumor can be dangerous. The neurologist didn't find any tumors and had no explanation for my PT.
I always have pain in my neck and any brain pain.
On the internet I read PT can be caused by eardrum damage, which may have been caused from lancing ear drum to drain fluids from severe ear infections as a child. Another cause which may be relevant to both of us is neck trauma, the arteries or veins in the head or neck are narrowed, blocked or damaged. Clearly my 3 tilted neck discs caused by head on damage from cracking a windshield from an auto accident 61 years ago, At that time I was told to expect headache and pain from traumatic arthritis as a senior, if tinnitus was mentioned I probably didn't know what it was. I still haven't' gotten the headaches, neck aches yes.
Like aldo2 , I suspect nerve issues from the disc compression aggravated at this age by traumatic arthritis. Also at my age now 77 I probably have narrowing of blood vessels near these tilted discs causing my tinnitus sound in my left ear only timed to my heartbeat. Also it could be a combination of several causes.
I think I just have to live with it.
phxbarb- so far Medicare plus my supplement Plan F ( the Cadillac of supplements) have paid all my medical expenses checking out my PT and neck pain. Of course as we seniors learn, Medicare and supplements aren't free, the cost of these plans are deducted directly from our Social Security. In my case that is $410.00 a month.