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What Causes Intermittent Bubbling Sensation In Different Parts Of Body?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Question: Hi, I have a constant strange sensation of "bubbles popping" all over my body, lasting all day, everyday. At first I would describe it as a muscle twitch, but now I'm not sure it's actually muscles at all.
It is NOT a twitch that vibrates for a few seconds back and forth , rather just one singular bubbling sensation on a random body part. As I've typed this I've had no less than 10 from my shoulders down to my feet.
No pain. I do not excersize. Vitamin levels checked out ok. Neuro gave me a contrast cat scan, said he didn't know. Primary doctor says he doesn't know. Been lasting for over a year, and hasn't. stopped for less than a minute since. I'm desperate. I'm scared. It's driving me crazy. I can ignore it sometimes, but it's always there. From wake til sleep.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
More information about your condition needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

It is true that yours is an unusual situation.

Is necessary for me to know more about your concerns, in order to have a correct understanding of your condition.

- Sensation of bubbles popping is felt in different joints ( such vertebral column, hands, knees, feet ), or is felt in body areas not related to joints ( abdominal area for example )?

- it is a deep sensation of bubbles popping, or is felt under the skin?

- any relationship with joints movements, or the same when you lay down and stay still?

- any relation of your symptoms with other conditions such anxiety and stress disorder for example?

- did you noticed twitching of muscles?

- any tests done ( nerve conduction study/ EEG)?

To give you a clue in explaining your concerns, bubbles popping in joints is a known condition explained by some mechanisms such nitrogen bubbles forming into synovial fluid, vacuum created into articulations during movements and even tendons and ligaments snapping.

Awaiting for more information.......

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (35 minutes later)
Thank you so much for the response. The sensation is not felt in joints.

I continue to feel them while laying down, and also feel them while at rest in areas such as my stomach and abdominal area amongst others.

It feels as though it is just beneath the skin, not very deep. I cannot see them occur, as it is always in a random spot, and is just one "tick or bubble" before it moves to the next location. Thank you again for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Neurologist consult.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

Since you refer that the sensations are felt under the skin, I think you should discuss with your Neurologist about taking in consideration tactile hallucinations.

Tactile hallucinations are abnormal under skin sensations that may be related to several conditions such allergies, drugs abuse, side effects of medications, peripheral neuropathy etc.

Hope this conversation will lead you in the correct way to find an answer to your concerns.

Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Thank you for the follow up. This is interesting as I never have come across this information.

I forgot to mention that I have had an eeg and everything looked ok.

About a year ago when these started I was having severe anxiety attacks, multiple times a day. ( I have suffered from anxiety attacks for many years. Ssri did not help, although seemed to possibly cause these sensations.)

I haven't had any anxiety attacks for a few months. I also have been on hydrocodone pain killers daily for migraine pain for many years.

does this change your thoughts about the tactile hallucinations?

thanks again so much for the help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

Don't get me wrong, if the diagnosis is correct about tactile hallucinations, doesn't necessary mean that there is a. mental illness in the middle.

Other conditions such damages of small peripheral nerves ( neuropathy ) could cause similar symptoms and use of drugs is one of the causes of neuropathy.

Side effects of drugs also could be a direct cause of altered sensations.

Anyway, in my opinion, you should discuss with your Doctor about this possibility as probable cause of your concerns.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4500 Questions

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What Causes Intermittent Bubbling Sensation In Different Parts Of Body?

Brief Answer: More information about your condition needed. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your query and understand your concerns. It is true that yours is an unusual situation. Is necessary for me to know more about your concerns, in order to have a correct understanding of your condition. - Sensation of bubbles popping is felt in different joints ( such vertebral column, hands, knees, feet ), or is felt in body areas not related to joints ( abdominal area for example )? - it is a deep sensation of bubbles popping, or is felt under the skin? - any relationship with joints movements, or the same when you lay down and stay still? - any relation of your symptoms with other conditions such anxiety and stress disorder for example? - did you noticed twitching of muscles? - any tests done ( nerve conduction study/ EEG)? To give you a clue in explaining your concerns, bubbles popping in joints is a known condition explained by some mechanisms such nitrogen bubbles forming into synovial fluid, vacuum created into articulations during movements and even tendons and ligaments snapping. Awaiting for more information.......