Analysis of cerebellum with magnetic resonance 3D T1 sequence in individuals with chronic subjective tinnitus

Abstract

Tinnitus is a symptom in which the patient can hear ringing, buzzing and similar sounds in the ear for 3 months longer. In our study, we aimed to analyse the cerebellum volume and cerebellum connections in patients with chronic tinnitus using VolBrain program. A total number of 10 patients and 10 otherwise healthy peoples records were then enrolled. Volumetric analysis was performed with automated segmentation of the cerebellum and its lobules, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mean volumes of 10 cerebellar volume were compared between the tinnitus and control groups. Quadrangular lobular portion of the cerebellum, the flocculonodular part and the volume of the central cerebellar lobule were decreased in the tinnitus group. White and grey matter decreased and the amygdala size was increased. We found statistically important volumetric changes in our study. VolBrain can be used in the future for analysing, diagnosis and treatment tinnitus patients. We recommend to use this practical, free of charge and easy programme to analyse for tinnitus patients. This may provide us with practical and useful information about the disease. In patients with tinnitus, the volume loss was 17.48% in the quadrangular lobe, 21% in the central lobule, and 9.33% in the total cerebellum volume.