cracking/pain/noise @ base of skull with movement of head

I have a history of migraines over/behind right eye, which came on just over 2 yrs ago, as well as headaches all my life.  MRIa negative.  Migraines controlled w/ prophylactic (daily) meds and then I take meds for breakthrough migraines when needed.  But migraines have gotten worse lately, I think maybe due to stress??  I can pretty much count on several a month...and they wipe me out. I get tired and cloudy in my thinking.  And with the last one, my meds didn't help at all and I needed to go to the ER for a toradol injection.  It kind of frightens me that the migraines are this much out of control at this point.  Otherwise I am normally a pretty healthy person, except I'm not exercising as I was due to the colder weather.  

Just two weeks ago I noticed this crackling sound- seems to be coming from the vertebrae at the base of my skull and occurs pretty much with any movement, but seems most associated with the movement of the right side of my neck/head or with the use of those muscles.  It is somewhat uncomfortable and tense, and even ibuprofen doesn't seem to help.  I've been using a warm pack when I remember.  

I just finally googled the problem now, and found your forum.  I'm curious as to what the problem could be.  Haven't talked to an MD about it yet as I'm in the middle of insurance changes...and thought the problem would resolve itself. Now I'm beginning to wonder!  Will watch this forum...any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.  Thanks!  

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

It is called” tinnitus” when you hear a ringing or buzzing sound that no one hears. It is mainly heard in ears but sometimes few persons feel that it is coming from head. Common reasons of tinnitus could be any inner ear disorder due to extreme noise or meniere’s disease, large ear wax, trauma, and due to some medications. If you are hearing continuous ringing noise, please arrange an appointment with an ENT specialist right away who will evaluate the possibilities here and can provide you further treatment. Hope this information proves helpful to you.

Take Care & Regards!!!

[opinmin]

MRI of the brain?  No MRI of the cervical spine?

[NancyT5]

hmm...not sure that cspine was included in MRI, though I would think it would have been.  I should probably get copies of records.  MRI was done about 2 1/2 yrs back when migraines started, not w/ this recent onset of 'neck' or 'base of skull' noise.  The crackling sensation and noise that I feel and hear is not tinnitus.  I have experienced that before and am familiar with it.  It is not constant, and it is initiating from somewhere other than my ears :)   I am an experienced critical care nurse and have some understanding of anatomy and physiology.  

Beginning to wonder, actually, if it might be arthritic in nature, except that it really isn't awfully painful, just a bit uncomfortable at times.  And here's the newest weirdest development, lol.  I think I might be developing shingles on my right chest/back side, a few inches below my axillary (armpit) region.  I've been having some sensitivity and shooting pain- localized and at the surface/skin area- for 2 days...waiting to see if the tell-tale rash forms. No, not cardiac...it is just localized and at the surface :)  

Nutty!  I'm beginning to feel like a hypochondriac :-P   Generally I'm very very healthy!!!  But I have been under a great deal of stress for the last 9 months or so.  Might be contributing to it all.

The only other thing I can think of that's strange about my health is that I had a case of mononucleosis two years ago which was preceded just a month or two earlier by a case of viral vertigo.  The vertigo lasted about a week...I couldn't do much but walk around and hang onto counters and walls.  ick!!

Thanks for your question :)

  

[opinmin]

Yes, I can relate to feeling like a hypochondriac too.  I was a very healthy person until last August.  That is when my problems started; it was after a period of heavy stress.  I got through the stress and then the next thing I know I am sick.  They are still trying to figure me out.  I am a nurse as well.  It is so fun on the other side of the fence, NOT.  

Anyways, sorry, talking about myself.  I would get copies of the MRI you had.  It has been a while so I would probably look into getting another MRI of the brain/head with contrast plus an MRI of the cervical spine.  Lastly, Neuro and/or Ortho should be consulted.  Hopefully, your insurance issues are sorted soon.  It doesn't sound like tinnitus to me either.  

I hope you don't have shingles too.  

Keep us posted.

[venki120]

hi my name is venkatesh. i a doing a project work on tracking the tumour in brain tissue. i want to know about the brain movement during the brain surgery (in number). and also before and after the deformation of the tumour.