Brain pathophysiology in tinnitus patients

Authors

Dr.med. Guillermo O. Bertora (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Dr. med. Julia M. Bergmann (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Keywords

BA 21, BA 22, BA 47, Brain electric tomography, LORETA, S-Loreta, Tinnitus, Tinnitus modulation, Tinnitus topography, Tinnitus treatment.

Download

PDF file, 3MB

Abstract

Brain neurosensorial disorders, i.e: tinnitus, represents one of most reasons of disability.
The most often used methods for functional imaging of the human brain are positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
These tomographies provide three-dimensional (3D) images comprising information on metabolism.
Although the spatial resolution of these images is excellent, the temporal resolution is not high enough to keep up with the speed at which neuronal processes occur.
During year 2000, we have started studying our patients by means of Brain Electric Tomography (LORETA) – Pascual Marqui – 1994. Through LORETA, it is not only possible to study spatial distribution but also knowing the different cerebral activity areas.
200 patients presenting tinnitus symptoms have been studied and results were compared vs. those obtained in 40 normal patients.
In the group of tinnitus patients a common pattern of pathology is observed:
1.- Compromised BA 21 and 22
2.- Compromised BA 47
Through neuroimaging diagnoses metabolic alterations are detected due to consuming Oxygen or Glucose. These alterations could respond to hypo or hyper neuronal function, being unable to establish a diagnosis of the type of neuronal electrical alteration of the area.
To order to establish an specific treatment for tinnitus it is necessary to count on methods sensitive enough capable of demonstestablished therapy.