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Popping and cracking in head?

Has anyone else ever experienced a strange popping and cracking sensation in their head before? It  lasts all day and sounds and feels like rice crispies popping. It is also accompanied by a burning sensations behind my left eye. I have been experiencing terrible head and neck pains since November and the doctors cant explain it. They think i have developed classical migraines. I had an MRI scan done last week and nothing sinister came up. Could this all be stress related? Any fellow sufferers?
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Avatar universal
I have had this for years. Mine sounds like chards of glass, crunching around. I have 2 buldging discs and arthritis in the facet joints in my neck. I was told it is because of the arthritis.
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Avatar universal
Hi there. I have the same experience. I suffer from severe headache daily for weeks now. I tried looking up for effective treatments cos pain medications seem to help but just very temporarily. Have you heard of microcirculation therapy? I've read some research articles that it could provide pain relief and improve blood flow in the brain. Check out deoxyhemoglobin vasodilator it is painless and non invasive since it is a transdermal solution. I will try their 30day free trial I'm praying it would work. I'll update you soon. I hope it interests you as it interests me. Are u taking any medication or treatment? Hope you're doing good
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2 Comments
Did it work?
Yeah, did it work?
Avatar universal
This is a CSF leak (Brain leak). When the brain fluid (CSF) gets low you will get the popping and the rice crispies is air getting through into your skull... it is something called emphysema... which is "trapped air". You can get this in your neck, around your meninges, tissue of your lungs... anywhere. In the cases here... it is a brain leak so the "dural tissue" is what is torn around your skull. This seperates your skulll from your brain.
The CSF leak will compression of vertebraes of your neck, vision problems, severe head pressure, headaches, nausea. It is very poorly understood and almost impossible to get diagnosed as dural is not seen in MRI's or CT scans.
You can get this from an injruy or in a lot of cases sinus surgery... this can easily cuase dural tears and/or bone fractures anywhere around your skull. Does not have to be torn in the sinuses where the operation was... any impact of high powered tools in the sinus cavities can cause tears and bone fractures anywhere around the skull.  
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Zach, I know I have a CSF leak, as I have had headaches,  blurred vision, neck ache, slight loss of balance, and a bit of ringing in 1 ear. The classic sign came 3 times, when upon bending my head down, clear water fluid began streaming from the 1 side of my nostril like a faucet. This is not your typical runny nose. It was definitely cause for alarm and without that symptom, I never would have learned of the condition. Some people go years with a CSF leak, as it may leak from their spine, which is undetected, and as you mntioned, many times, does not show on an MRI or CT scan. I have just learned of my condition a few days ago and have read that sometimes these leaks can heal on their own with bed rest from 1 to 2 weeks, head propped up on pillows,  additional water and caffeine. If they do not heal, they can plug the leak with a blood patch from your own blood or fibrin glue, through an endoscopy through nose. In addition,  I also have the crackling rice crispie sounds going on, which is scary. It doesn't hurt, but it's not  normal sound or feeling. I'm not a doctor, but wanted to share my experience and tell you that I believe you are right and thank you for sharing your feedback.
Thank you for sharing.
Avatar universal
Some of these comments tho hahahaha

Seriously I've had this a while, I personally think it's probably some form of arthritis or pressure build up ... my sinuses are always popping and cracking, I noticed I get it more when I lie down or when some kind of pressure is there? (Headache or leaning forward etc) I also get it at the base of my neck at bottom of my head and my joints around that area  are quite painful at times... honestly do think it's some kind of pressure build up or/and arthritis ??  
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Avatar universal
TMJ
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Avatar universal
Stay Away From Topamax.  I was put on that because it helps with weight loss also.  It made me not only have the cracking in my head like rice crispies, but it also caused a tingling sensation like bugs were crawling in my head.  I couldn't stand it anymore and had to go off of it.  When it was a low dose I didn't have that problem, but it wasn't working properly.  When it was at a higher dose it would be find for a couple of days, but by the end of the week, rice krispies and bugs would fill my head.
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2 Comments
Having your head filled with bugs and rice crispies sounds concerning. I don't think anyone should have cereal and bugs in there head. Did the topamax help? Also, did you get the cereal and bugs out of your head, and if so, do you feel better?
Looooooooool gaylord
Avatar universal
i have been havin it for many years. Docs dont understand them. I had psychotic problems after takin one joint which was to xperiment. I cud not get out of the psychotic trip the drug gave me. From then my life took a dive into the well. Then was left with a huge depression. This crackling noise cannot b cured. It comes nd goes. Its 2.03 am nd unable to sleep with the noise. Awww thanks...u all too have this.
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5 Comments
I have had this crackleing noise since I was a teenager. For me, it is caused by dehydration. I believe the brain begins to shrink and this causes the sound. I can also also feel it. If I drink a few large glasses of water it goes away within an hour or so. I hope this helps some of you.
I have had this crackleing noise since I was a teenager. For me, it is caused by dehydration. I believe the brain begins to shrink and this causes the sound. I can also also feel it. If I drink a few large glasses of water it goes away within an hour or so. I hope this helps some of you.
You are also ridiculous
That comment was to roshanbasnet76
Mkaylen seems to be closest reason I can find for these symptoms.  I have not yet been seen by a doctor for the problem because I fear the same skepticism I am reading about here among the contributors.  Let's be kind to one another.  We all need relief from our pain and fears.
Avatar universal
i have been havin it for many years. Docs dont understand them. I had psychotic problems after takin one joint which was to xperiment. I cud not get out of the psychotic trip the drug gave me. From then my life took a dive into the well. Then was left with a huge depression. This crackling noise cannot b cured. It comes nd goes. Its 2.03 am nd unable to sleep witg the noise.
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1 Comments
I took laxepro many times and I smoked weed many times with I had a psychotic/schizophrenic episode and ever since then I cold turkey laxepro but i havent been the same.

Me too but is not as frequent it comes and goes and everytime I do weed it ***** me up more
Avatar universal
I would say it could also be symptoms of the third eye chakra opening. I obviously don't recommend not getting checked by a medical professional but it's worth doing some google research in tandem :)
Meditation is vital
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3 Comments
LOL! What the f**k? You're ridiculous...
3rd eye? Really?? When did this guy escape the nut house?
Yes, I wonder if that's what's happening to me.
Avatar universal
I have started feeling this sensation this last year. I think it might be the SmartMeter installed by electric company. Radiation effects. I also get palpitations now.
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Avatar universal
i have had these symptoms for years now. MDs, neurologists, and Chiropractors have not yet been able to give me any answers. Though one great chiropractor in Hendersonville, TN, has been able to provide some relief, on the few occasions I have been there with these headaches. I am suspecting it may be an odd form of gout. The popping like rice crispier, and sometimes a little louder, occur when I am suffering with my headache and move my head from side to side, or rub my scalp and back of my neck with a cold wash cloth. The pain will go away immediately when I put my head directly under a hot shower. However it usually returns soon afterwards. Pain pills do little to nothing towards relieving it. Rubbing my scalp and neck with a cold wash cloth, while slowly moving my head from side to side, seems to work best. But it takes a while. Like gout, I think the popping may be caused by protein crystals forming in the head and neck. A dark cherry juice once a day, and restricting high protein foods (especially shell fish, lobster, crab, and shrimp) might help, but I can say for sure. While I'm no doctor, after all I've been through, I think my opinion may be at least as good as one. In any event, those headaches are probably the worst thing I have had to deal with, I really hope you find relief, as I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
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Avatar universal
this is what I found to be the cause of my problem...MSG and yeast created in me a toxic substance called an excitotoxin.
check this it might help you http://www.drgangemi.com/healthtopics/msg/
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Avatar universal
this is what I found to be the cause of my problem...MSG and yeast created in me a toxic substance called an excitotoxin.
check this it might help you http://www.drgangemi.com/healthtopics/msg/
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Avatar universal
Interesting.
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Avatar universal
I when I get a really bad migraine I get the snap, crackle pop in my head. Usually the exact temporal area that involves my pain. As a nurse I really believe it is caused from increased pressure in the brain. Your ears hear that since the area is close by. Once I take an Imitrex and the migraine subsides so dose the crackling.
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Avatar universal
I was told by my Dr. that even though it FEELS like your head...it is actually your neck popping. And yes, it is due to stress therefore can be related with migraines.
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Avatar universal
I had been having severe headaches with crunching sound and pining sensation all over my head and face since two years.  These two years were really dreadful for me. I had done almost all kind of treatment and finally i realised the problem. First of all get all the required test done to ensure that you are not having any dreaded disease . If all the test are clear then be happy.  Mostly headaches increases if you eat vitaminous or nutritious food.  People always try to avoid curd or gluten products like wheat etc.  No need to do this.  just do one or two  excercises.  The cause of headache is likely due to pinching of nerve on the neck which stops which stops blood circulation to the brain i think. Just raise both your hands keeping it bent one above the other and try to take it back side a little or just raise your hands and bend it at the elbows keeping your palm interlocked behind your head. Belive me  within 3-4 minuites you will feel greatly relieved. my email: ***@**** .Do it whenever u get such pain. You will feel great inshallah.  My life was dreadful until i got this cure.
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Avatar universal
I used t have anxiety attacks then one day I felt the rush of blood on my head rising from spine area then I felt all my head numb. After that I started having headaches, top of the head felt numb for years and it was constant stress on my head and there used to be cracking sound like swelling of the nerves of the head.
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1 Comments
what did you do.
3246663 tn?1346933318
It sounds as though your mother could have what they call a Chiari Malformation.  She will need to have an mri of her brain and spine for a diagnosis.  Chiari is when your cerebellum tonsils has been forced out the bottom of your skull (the forum magnum) and puts pressure on your brain stem.  There is a whole list of symptoms that is associated with this condition which include your mother's symptoms.  I am a chiari patient that's why everything she is experiencing sounds and is familiar.  If this is what she has, she will need to find a doctor that specialized in Chiari Malformations.  Hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
Hi myooshka,
Have you found a definite answer for this problem yet? My mom is having the cracking and popping in her head as well. She also has severe head pain at the base of her skull where the brain stem is that runs down her neck. She has had episodes of severe vertigo, eye problems, and nausea. At one point her right eye would not open and her jaw locked for five hours and all of her test comes back normal so they sent her home with stroke paperwork, but didn't diagnose her as having a stroke. The doctors are at a standstill and just shuffle her around because of her multiple symptoms. She was going to a physical therapist, but he refused to touch her and said that she needed to see her doctor concerning her spine. But once again the doctors can't find anything. I am seriously worried as her "episodes" are occurring more frequently now and she stays sick. Any info on possibilities would be helpful.
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1 Comments
I get relief from rubbing so lightly on my head it’s ridiculous,sometimes they say that the fascia covering under the skin gets dehydrated and tightens. If you rub too hard it will make the fascia tighten more.Worth a try. Cranial sacral therapy is another option.If a bone behind the eyes is out slightly it can cause a lot of weird things including vertigo nausea and strange visual occurrences. Things seem to be moving such as a wall of bricks in my case.The bricks would move up and down as if they were vibrating .I didn’t notice until it stopped after treatment.
Avatar universal
Hi,

How are you?
Your symptoms are indicative of migraine, although ear infections, cervical spondylitis and sinusitis also needs to be ruled out.
Since your brain MRI is clear chances of sinusitis are very less although it is a possibility.
Stress can also cause headaches, neck pains, and pain behind the eyes.
Are you taking any medications for migraine?
Have you been able to identify a trigger for these symptoms?



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587787 tn?1218804459
I started going to thr Chiropractor when I was 9 years old, back in the 70's.  Every time I went i remember my headaches were worse before they got better, but my parents insited I go since no other Dr orspecialist could figure out why I was having migranes and was passing out,  Now in my 40's I still have the same symptoms but they are much worse and after seveal injuries the Chiropractors still have yet to help.   I made an appointment with a spinal specialist who did my previous back surgery.  He is glad I called him yesterday about my neck.  The cracking you all are talking about can be degenerative arthritic changes or slipped discs.  I get a terrible crunch at the base of my skull when I turn my head a certain way then a terrible headache,  This is not my only symptom, but those with that symptom might check that out.  Back in April they x-rayed my neck and head and did MI's... and said the changes in my neck wouldnt be the cause of my headaches.  I tend to disagree, I think that a fractured vertebrae, buldging disc and osteoarthritis is enough to give anyone a eadacheespeially as the day wears on and the longer one sits at the computer holding your head in one position all day.  We will see what the neuro spinal surgeon has to say n a few weeks.  I had requested this referral months ago, but finally decided to take it upon myself to take a chance and just make the appt. myself.  Thank you heinsgil93 for the fishoil tip, it sure worth a try, the Topamax sure isnt doing what it's supposed to and nothing else I have tried recently seems to work.
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1 Comments
Inside your brain?..I have spine injuries and I experience cracking sound in my neck.

However while I am having a migraine, the sound is more like the sound of an electrical wire crackling inside of my brain...Like the neurons are have some electrical shock.
587279 tn?1223700755
I have this exact feeling I had it for one year and then I developed other neurological symptoms but am still undiagnosed. I have talked to other people that have ms and other neurological conditions that get this. My mri is normal too. This type of headache I am told comes from an area of the cervical spine. Let me know how you make out, Mya
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