Hemotympanum (blood behind ear drum)

About Hemotympanum (blood behind ear drum)

Caused by blood in the tympanic cavity of the middle ear (behind the ear drum) and is often the result of a basilar skull fracture.

Symptoms

Headache, bruising behind ear, dizziness, vomiting, hearing loss.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. A head CT and/or MRI is usually performed to identify the injury that caused the bleeding.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Observation and healing of the fracture usually results in resolution of the hemotympanum.

Medical specialties

Neurosurgery · Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) · Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology) · Pediatric Neurosurgery

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Hemotympanum (blood behind ear drum).