Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Verna on 23/10/2011 22:30:02

Title: Can tsetse flies cause tinnitus?
Post by: Verna on 23/10/2011 22:30:02

Verna asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Dear Dr. Chris  

We visited Rwanda earlier this year. Both my husband and I were bitten by Tsetse flies in the Akagera Park. I had quite a allergic reaction to the bites which itched and were quite painful for a couple of weeks. My husband who had more bites did not have any reaction at all.  We are both suffering from Tinnitus since then. I first thought that mine was caused from the jolting all day long on extremely bad roads, as I have  TMJ which is the side affected by the tinnitus. But it seems strange that we both have tinnitus now. Could there be a link with the Tsetse fly. We were there for ten days and trans versed the bad roads in the beginning stages of our trip. The tinnitus started on our last day,  2 days after the Tsetse fly bites. I can't seem to find
 any information. I have tried antibiotics, etc nothing seems to help. The intensity is not constant.  Please help

What do you think?

Title: Can tsetse flies cause tinnitus?
Post by: Airthumbs on 23/10/2011 23:15:57

Hello Verna,

I had a quick look about and did a little bit of research for you.... one of the best sites I could find is this one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinnitus

The webpage contains several links that you may find interesting and might give you a clue as to why you both have developed tinnitus.

Someone else on this forum such as thedoc has access to scientific journals that I do not and they may well be able to give you a more definitive answer to your question.  Have you both been to see a Dr?