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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Recurring Painful Popping Sensation At The Base Of Skull Suggest?

Over the past 7 or so years,occurring 1 or 2 times a year, a popping sensation at the base of scull, followed by a feeling of heat and about 10 seconds of excruciating pain, so severe it would cause fainting if it lasted longer, a white out in vision, can t see anything, what could it be..... no other healthth issues....run and lift weights regularly,health diet, low in fat and sodium, moderate alcohol use
posted on Thu, 20 Aug 2015
Twitter Fri, 12 Jun 2020 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 18 Jun 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

The pain you have at base of skull seems to be inflammation of base of skull with upper cervical vertebrae. Popping sensation in any joint is normal for any synovial joints (containing synovial fluid.There is air bubble formed in synovial fluid of joint due to joint function. This bubble pops some time to produce noise.

Just the popping noise is normal, but the pain following with fainting indicates impingement of nerve between vertebral surfaces. to produce intense pain.I feel you should restrain from weight lifting which is likely to cause the symptoms. Management of pain consists of anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy. If not relieved expert may think of giving joint block. Please consult a spine specialist.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
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What Does Recurring Painful Popping Sensation At The Base Of Skull Suggest?

Hi, The pain you have at base of skull seems to be inflammation of base of skull with upper cervical vertebrae. Popping sensation in any joint is normal for any synovial joints (containing synovial fluid.There is air bubble formed in synovial fluid of joint due to joint function. This bubble pops some time to produce noise. Just the popping noise is normal, but the pain following with fainting indicates impingement of nerve between vertebral surfaces. to produce intense pain.I feel you should restrain from weight lifting which is likely to cause the symptoms. Management of pain consists of anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy. If not relieved expert may think of giving joint block. Please consult a spine specialist. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician