What Causes Hemotympanum?

Basal Skull Fracture

A basal skull fracture is a bone break that happens somewhere at the base of the skull. If the skull fractures near the ear, blood can leak from the wound into the ear canal. Besides bleeding into the ear canal, the symptoms of a basal skull fracture include leaking of the brain fluid, bruises near the ears or eyes, and problems with sensation in the face. Most of the time, a skull fracture is diagnosed through a CT scan. Patients do not usually receive treatment for skull fractures because the bone heals on its own without intervention. However, if there is continued bleeding or leaking from the wound, surgery might be recommended. It is important for a doctor to thoroughly examine the wound. Sometimes brain damage occurs when individuals fracture their skulls. If there is no brain damage, all that is required is rest and pain medication while the wound heals.

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Frequent Ear Infections

Frequent ear infections are yet another potential cause of hemotympanum. This is because ear infections cause the tissue inside the ear to become inflamed and irritated. The infections also cause the ear canal to become clogged with fluid, which can lead to bleeding on the inside of the ear. The blood can accumulate over time and can become trapped behind the eardrum. The treatment for ear infections typically consists of antibiotics. These antibiotics may be oral or they may come in the form of liquid drops administered inside of the ear. Some patients have persistent ear infections that seem to recur no matter what medications are prescribed. These patients may want to ask their doctors about longer-lasting treatments like ear surgery.

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