Hemotympanum (blood behind the eardrum)

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Hemotympanum (blood behind the eardrum) (Disease)


Description

Hemotympanum is a condition which occurs when there is blood in the tympanic cavity of the middle ear (behind the ear drum) and is often the result of a basilar skull fracture.

Depending on the cause, you may experience symptoms in addition to bloody discharge from the ear including: buzzing in the ear, bruising behind ear, earache, facial weakness, vomiting, fever, headache, hearing loss.

Causes and Risk factors

A ruptured or perforated eardrum means that the delicate eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, has a tear or hole. When your eardrum is ruptured you may experience a loss of hearing.

A ruptured eardrum is a cause for some concern because the eardrum is a natural barrier to germs entering the middle and inner ear. The good news is that a ruptured ear drum will heal on its own within a few weeks; however, precautions should be taken to avoid infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment implies observation which usually results in resolution of the finding and healing of the basilar skull fracture. ...