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Current Theories of Post-Traumatic Tinnitus
MIKHAYLO SZCZUPAK, MD, MICHAEL E. HOFFER, MD, FACS
Content currently available in print only
Neurotologic Evaluation of Posttraumatic Tinnitus
BRITTANY WEBER, MD AND BARRY STRASNICK, MD
Non-Otological Causes of Tinnitus
NATHAN D. ZASLER, MD, FAAPM&R, FAADEP, DAAPM, CBIST AND SARA ETHEREDGE, PT, DPT, CKTP, CCI, CMTPT
Sound Therapy Approaches: Post-Traumatic Tinnitus
MARC FAGELSON, PhD
Drug Treatments for Tinnitus: What’s New?
JINSHENG ZHANG AND EDWARD PACE
Alternative Medical Management Of Tinnitus
SYED F. AHSAN MD FACS, MICHAEL D. SEIDMAN MD FACS
Message from the Guest Editor
Guest Editor: Nathan Zasler, MD
It was with some trepidation, as well as anticipation, that I accepted the offer to edit this issue of Brain Injury Professional on the topic of post-traumatic tinnitus. Tinnitus is a very common post-traumatic complaint; yet, unfortunately, there is a significant lack of understanding of this post-traumatic symptom and its myriad causes. Just as significantly, patients are often told that they just need to “live with it” and are not provided any treatment recommendations, when in fact depending on the etiology of the tinnitus, it might be quite treatable whether from a curative or modulation standpoint.
In putting this issue of BIP together, I have tried to take a holistic approach to tinnitus assessment and management. Every effort was made to provide the latest information on the topic by bringing together some of the top clinicians involved in tinnitus work in neuro-otology and audiology.
This issue of BIP has the articles organized in a logical order of progression to facilitate the learning process for readers. The first article by Dr. Hoffer et al focuses on causes of post-traumatic tinnitus and specifically the underlying pathoetiology of this symptom following TBI, head trauma and whiplash injury. The next article by Dr. Strasnick et al details the neuro-otological evaluation of tinnitus and provides readers with details regarding specific bedside assessment techniques and neurodiagnostic testing for this sensory complaint in post-trauma patients. The article by Dr. Zasler delineates other causes of tinnitus, both traumatic and non-traumatic, that may not seem necessarily obvious but should be considered in the context of the differential diagnostic work-up of such complaints with the emphasis being on non-otological causes of this sensory symptom. Dr. Fagelson has authored an excellent article providing an extensive review of current approaches to sound therapy for tinnitus management. Dr. Zhang’s article provides insights on historical and current research on potential drug treatment approaches for tinnitus modulation; whereas, Drs. Ahasan and Seidman’s article reviews alternative treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, for tinnitus management. The second to the last article provides readers with a patient perspective through an interview on dealing with post-traumatic tinnitus following a traumatic brain injury. Lastly, Mr. Morris of American Tinnitus Association (ATA) reviews the goals of the organization and how it can be a resource to both professionals and the lay public alike on the topic of tinnitus.
It is hoped that this special issue of the Brain Injury Professional will enlighten readers on the topic of post-traumatic tinnitus and most importantly improve differential diagnosis of this common patient complaint and in that context, advance both diagnosis and treatment outcomes as related to this often frustrating and, at times, disabling sensory disorder symptom. Thank you to Dr. Deb Braunling-McMorrow, chief editor of BIP, for the opportunity to edit this issue of Brain Injury Professional.
about the guest editor
Nathan Zasler MD, FAAPM&R, FAADEP, DAAPM, CBIST is CEO & Medical Director for Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, Ltd., as well as Tree of Life Services, Inc. Dr. Zasler is board certified in PM&R and fellowship trained in brain injury. He is an affiliate professor in the VCU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Richmond, VA, and an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He currently serves as Vice-Chairperson of IBIA. Dr. Zasler has published and lectured extensively on TBI related neuromedical issues and edited 6 textbooks including “Brain Injury Medicine: Principals and Practice”. He is co-chief editor of “Brain Injury” and “NeuroRehabilitation.” Dr. Zasler is active in local, national and international organizations dealing with acquired brain injury and neurodisability, serving in numerous consultant and board member roles. Dr. Zasler is an advocate, educator, clinical researcher, inventor, entrepreneur and busy practicing clinician who is involved with community based neurorehabilitation, chronic pain management, and international health care consultation.
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