Effervescence Pop Rocks Noise at base of skull

[RedRobinRed]

Every day or so, I hear AND feel a sound that can only be described as if I've got a carbonated drink in the back of my head.  It can be heard from outside of my neck if someone uses a stethoscope as well.  It seems to be located at the absolute top of my spine, near where I belive the "blood / brain barrier" is, and the Medulla Oblongata.  It has been going on with no major issues for as long as I can remember, though recently it seems to happen more often. NOBODY can tell me what it is, I've only met one other person who has this experience and they've been unable to get any assistance either.  General MDs just are at a loss as to what it is, and don't seem to think its serious -- I'm fine with that answer, but I'm extremely curious if there's any explanation, and if so is there any thing really wrong?  

I'm on blood pressure medication (Benicar and HCTZ) and I've had two episodes of what I guess are Migraines.  I get a visual signal about 30 minutes prior to getting the most stomach turning "headache" though it doesn't really "ache", there's more of a sickening feeling as if my brain has been injured somehow and the thought of that makes me ill.  The only thing that's worked to solve those episodes is to shut myself in a cool, dark, quiet room and take Ibuprofen and sleep for several hours.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Rob


This discussion is related to Strange Sound in Neck.

[Kemordia]

The sound is your neck vertebrae grinding against each other. There is likely heavy compression of the discs that seperate the vertebrae and the nerves that are normally protected by these vertebrae. You would be right to assume the neck symptoms are related to your migraines and strange perceptions. Your doctors seem to be very narrow minded in their treatment and fail to take into account the infinitely interconnected complex workings of the body.
Simply seeing flashes does not mean there is a problem with your eyes, you see?

You need to see a chiropractor.
Not a waste of $$$MRI.
Your brain is working fine, the signals are just getting static from the chronic compression of the nerves.  I have recovered from similiar symptoms that you fellows have described.

For some google research material, try googling Atlas Adjustment Lowers Blood Pressure.
Atlas is the top most vertebrae, high blood pressure is very common for those with excess tension of the atlas (c1).
It doesn't hurt either, it feels great. Please try it.
Not some $medication regimen$ that is dangerous to your health and independence.

God bless!

[river74]

Very interesting.

[SimonInCA]

I have the same pop/crackles in my upper neck, which came on suddenly along with a host of neuropathy & muscular issues in my hands, arms, feet, legs and face.  All the usual medical tests (blood/MRI/EMG/CT etc.) came out clear, so I am currently seeing a "NUCCA" chiropractor who focuses on low-impact atlas adjustment.  After my first visit, the static in my face disappeared completely, so I am hoping for the other issues to be rectified through this course of treatment.

[courchs]

Hi Rob! I also have this. It has been happening for at least 10 years if I remember correctly I won't do anything to cause it, sometimes I am just sitting there and I can feel it and hear it. To me it always sounds like poprocks at the bottom of my skull neck area. It is the weirdest sensation - Have you found any answers? I am assuming its some kind of release of fluids and or gas build up. 33 year old female - no underlying health conditions.

[Dudeofdudes]

I have that I call it the pop rocks noise but yours actually sounds like it fits better!! I just got diagnosed I have a cavernous malformation at the back end of my brain I just was released from the ICU for being there 5 days I got migraine alot an I was always kinda a little angry I had weakness dizzyness slurred speach every so often I was feeling wacky actually couldn't put my finger on it like I was just slightly intoxicated all the time just enough to stay hung over but without feeling so nasty.. I had a CT scan an I had massive brain bleeding an hemreging now I'm waiting to find out if I'm going to have surgery or not an it's all so mind boggling they put me on an off brand depakote thing that taste like cotton candy an accedron migraine an so far doing good I'm also female 27 an I work out clean house got two dogs I live a normal life but it's either hereditary or from a few years ago from hitting my head so we will find out soon! I hope this helps!!

[Spacemarine2019]

I dont know the answer but have had the bubbling sound /shloshing for about 6 months. One weird thing is it was audibly moved around , I heard it, during a saline flush during an MRI. Anyone else ever hear of that?

[specialmom]

Have they checked your inner ear?  

[Spacemarine2019]

Not yet. How could it be inner ear?

[specialmom]

Well, what I was wondering about was the shlossing sound.  When we have inner ear issues, it can sound like that.  

[Spacemarine2019]

Oh I'm sorry I should have specified, the shloshing is in my neck. I can feel and hear it. It's a few vertebrae below the neck

[specialmom]

Oh, okay.  Sorry!  So, I would definitely get that checked as soon as possible.  Is there a chance you could have a blockage in your carotid artery?  It is known to make that noise in that case.  This is important.  I'd schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss asap.

[Spacemarine2019]

I guess it's possible. I just had an ekg and heart stress test a few days ago so I dont know if its that...

[portialawrie]

I have this! I've tried explains it to doctors in the past and they just shrug at me! Found this link which offers a possible explanation:

http://www.uppercervicalhealthcentersboise.com/atlas-subluxation-complex-asc.html

[SimonInCA]

Thanks, Portialawrie.  I've been seeing a NUCCA Chiropractor since July, and the cracking in my neck has improved - as well as some relief from nerve pain and tingling in my face and extremities.  Whilst I'm a long way from being "cured", this has certainly helped.  Be warned, though, it isn't covered by many insurance plans.

[Darksoulsrage]

I'm 14 and I have this too for as long as I could remember. I don't really know what it is or what triggers it but I want to throw in that I am also effected.

[BPGentry]

I read on other forums that it’s some kind of tinnitis and could be TMJ related. I’ve never even thought to ask my doctor or dentist about it. I have a lot of tension headaches and tingling in my hands. No idea how many years I’ve heard that sound, but the nerve trouble has been 10 years.

[ParamedicPete]

Hmm I've never considered TMJ dysfunction as a potential factor! I've definitely got pretty bad TMJD.

[Damadstahr]

Nerve problems, tingling, weakness, headaches... get an MRI to look for lesions related to MS

[RansomGee]

I'm 21 years old and I have essentially the same symptoms as all of you are describing, (fizzing, headache) but in addition to that, my base of skull area feels so sensitive that almost any large movement I make (ex. lifting my arm 90 degrees) can be felt in the base of my skull with an uncomfortable rubbing sensation. It's not so painful but it happens so frequently that it's driving me insane. I compare it to chinese water torture but inside my head. Doctors have been no help. The only thing I can do to relieve these symptoms slightly is to put an ice pack on the back of my head or neck. Well, drinking a lot relives it but then it always comes back worse. It's comforting to know lots of other people feel the same as I do but equally as depressing seeing that none of you seemed to have found a cure. I for one cannot keep living like this and am desperate to get better before this thing makes me blow my brains out.

[RansomGee]

I'm 21 years old and I have essentially the same symptoms as all of you are describing, (fizzing, headache) but in addition to that, my base of skull area feels so sensitive that almost any large movement I make (ex. lifting my arm 90 degrees) can be felt in the base of my skull with an uncomfortable rubbing sensation. It's not so painful but it happens so frequently that it's driving me insane. I compare it to chinese water torture but inside my head. Doctors have been no help. The only thing I can do to relieve these symptoms slightly is to put an ice pack on the back of my head or neck. Well, drinking a lot relives it but then it always comes back worse. It's comforting to know lots of other people feel the same as I do but equally as depressing seeing that none of you seemed to have found a cure. I for one cannot keep living like this and am desperate to get better before this thing makes me blow my brains out.

[Chrisbean70]

I thought I was the only one I may be crazy, it's been going on for about a year off and on I have a blockage in my brain something to do with the Carotid artery I just have to take 81 mg of aspirin a day. But I have no idea what this is and my stomach feels like I want to barf I used to have migraines but I had a stroke May 2016 and I haven't had migraines since.

[MikeL4U]

Hi , I also feel the bubble sound at the base of skull . It’s happening from last 2 years . You may consider this as result of tensions headaches.

Doctors don’t have any exact answer on this  but what I oberserved is whenever you do any work that stresses out your brain ( reading on IPhone, working on computer) , drinking coffee, alcohol , not having enough sleep, over thinking , anxiety , cold hands then this will get triggered.
Below work around helps me.
1. I wear  blue light glasses while using electronic devices.
2.stopped drinking coffee, alcohol and cigarettes.
3. Stop over thinking.
4. Sleep well.


Some time it’s hard to follow all of the above but I try to follow .

[LauraWarner]

I get the fizzing at the base of my skull every morning while still lying in bed. I want to know what it is. I don't get migraines or any of the other symptoms mentioned here and I'm not on any medications

[Steakandeggs]

I am the same, no migraines or other issues. Kinda triggered by hunger. First thing in the morning I’m usually hungry and that’s when I hear it most. Annoying but not painful. I believe it might be related to Chiari, or brain tonsils. It my be herrititary. Ask your family if anyone has it too. I found out my daughter did. My sister never hears the noise but does have “Brain Tonsils”.

[Jennielpud]

I too get the pop rocks feeling. What is this. Anyone figure it out. I have chiari malformation and had surgery on my skull and spine. Have any of you had this as well. The pop rocks sound/feeling happen over a dozen times a day.

[DownByTheBay]

I know this is an old post but I came across it in a google search. I too have Chiari and was decompressed this Feb. I had never experienced this pop rock feeling until a few weeks after surgery when I was diagnosed with chemical meningitis. It started happening in the late afternoons after being up a lot. Now it happens every day, multiple times and starting as soon as I am out of bed. I do have pseudo meningocle so I was wondering if that might be the cause of it. I even hear it when I swallow. Others around me can hear it as well. My neurosurgeon said he has never heard of this. Go figure!

[Jennielpud]

I too get the pop rocks feeling. What is this. Anyone figure it out. I have chiari malformation and had surgery on my skull and spine. Have any of you had this as well. The pop rocks sound/feeling happen over a dozen times a day.

[Rainbowtop]

Had hissing only after spending long periods with head bent forwards. Went after straightening up, and I still get the backaches I had also as I had poor posture in private.

[Unicornsofrubies]

The same exact thing happens to me for as long as I can remember. I've asked so many friends and family and about 1-2/10 say they know what I'm talking about and get the same thing. It's a weird fizzling sound. It's so hard to explain but It happens to me in two different ways. First way is like a pop rock sound that just happens for a second in the back of my head/head almost like someone put a couple pop rock in the back of my brain (You can't feel any pain, it'z like mini tiny pop rocks popping - noise and sensation), and the second is fizzling or even a weird electric sound running through what it seems to be vains (like it feels like all my vains can feel electricity going through them) with a loudish ZING noise instead of a pop rock noise. You can hear it more than feel it. It happens to me about once every two days, can happen up too 6 in a day. Sometimes it can go a month or so without making the noises. It's interesting and makes me wonder what the heck is going on haha
I think researchers should figure it out! It's not painful, or anything. Just odd.

[annalis981]

Yes. Need to know about the "pop rock" feeling down my spine.. I do not burp/belch. Never have been able to so Is this maybe gas trapped??
Note: I just started noticing this after I recently stopped breast feeding?

[Trstn]

I have both of these issues as well. I've also read on this site that the "zing" feeling in your veins is a lot of the time referred to as a "wooshing" feeling/sound and most people who experience it have either been drinking alcohol at the time or before the event or simply drink regularly in general. Maybe insinuating it has a correlation to the issue. As far as the "pop rocks" sound/feeling goes, this is the first time I've looked it up. I've never asked anyone I know about it either. It's only happened to me maybe once or twice a year and maybe for about 10 years (btw, I'm 29, female, smoke, drink, & have 2 kids, not overweight but do not exercise and I eat relatively normal but not super healthy. Might be of importance, who knows) I don't get migraines but I do frequently get sharp, quick, & extemely painful shooting headaches. They never last more than a few seconds though and are seen to be common and benign. I also have mild to severe anxiety from time to time that a treat modestly wth prescription Xanax. I find that both these issues (pop rocks and zing/woosh) end up correlating with headaches and/or some type of blood pressure issues. Which either occur naturally for the individual or is self induced with medications or something like alcohol that thins your blood. I don't expect what I've written will help you or anyone but this is just what I've got on the subjects so far. I too would like to know more though.

[TaintedxxBright]

My whole life this has happened to me and no one I tell says they know it or have had it happen. I'm glad I am not alone. I don't get migrants of anything. Just the fizzy sound in the mornings mostly upon waking when I am still laying down in bed.

[river74]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_(anatomy)
This is what I found when I searched the Atlas Vertebra as suggested

[river74]

Sorry that comment was to Jay Bigger I am new to the site as I have just googled myself the same symptoms as many of you. I have what I called crackling fluid sounds coming from the base of my skull going down into my neck. The pop rocks quote is perfect. I did suffer from migraines and now suffer from daily chronic migraines but never thought them to be associated to this. I have been having the sound for perhaps 10 yrs now and at first it was very, very frequent and now it is only occasional. I was curious of it as the doctors I've spoken to seemed unsure what may have been causing it. I also suffer from a rare disease called Trochleitis in my eyes that also encourages or triggers my migraines. I am happy to see I am not alone and not crazy lol.

[MelissaMFIN]

Do you by chance experience less migraines following the pop rock crackling sensation?  I'm trying to find a correlation.   I, too, get the pop rock sensation and terrible occational migraines  (typically between my eyes)...I've had headache last two days and as I laid in bed this morning had the pop rock sensation...I'm hoping it's a release of blocked fluid between brain and spine or something that will bring me headache relief today...my head feels fine now but for all I know, this sound occurs just before another migraine  (I get occasional pop rock sound but never considered correlation or if it occurred before or after migraine)...anyone else have migraine before or after the sound?

[niaha]

i have this exact feeling but now it's continual :( the headaches make me feel so nauseous & they too are constant :( i've had it for yrs but it has gotten worse. Now my ears ache as well .... i am tired of not getting an answer from my Dr so i just put up with it. Has any one got an answer for why this is happening & what to do about it ... thanks

[sweet_kimchi]

Have you ever figured out what the cause of the sounds were from? I have been dealing with the sound & fizzy feeling for a couple of yrs now & I've noticed my ears aching for less than a yr now.

[niaha]

i have this exact feeling but now it's continual :( the headaches make me feel so nauseous & they too are constant :( i've had it for yrs but it has gotten worse. Now my ears ache as well .... i am tired of not getting an answer from my Dr so i just put up with it. Has any one got an answer for why this is happening & what to do about it ... thanks

[DaLeeta]

Did you ever find out what was wrong with you?

[DaLeeta]

Did you ever find out what was wrong with you?

[Tcomstock]

watch this video!!! i was litterally in tears because it discribes my issues to a T!!!

[gramsdale]

What video?

[Firstdownky]

I've had this as long as I can rememberemember too. It's in the back of my neck. I know I have a mild spina bifida occulta in that area and am going to try to investigate a mild CSF leak. No clue if that's it or not.

[11Jill]

Was talking the doctor up farther.