U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
CA
A 34-year-old member asked:

When i turn my head i hear a faint swishing sound at my neck. is this normal?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Oliver Aalami
Dr. Oliver Aalamianswered
Vascular Surgery 25 years experience
Not necessarily: Sometimes blockages within the arteries of the neck can cause "swishing" sounds. The medical term for this is a "bruit". In the neck this is most often from the carotid artery. The sound is created by turbulence in the blood vessel created when the blood is flowing past a blockage / narrowing. A very simple and non-invasive test for narrowing in the carotid arteries is a carotid ultrasound.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. Simon Kimm
Dr. Simon Kimm agrees1 doctor agrees

Related questions

A 31-year-old male asked:
When I turn my head it sounds like grinding sand in my neck. It doesn't hurt, but I can hear it. Any idea what's wrong?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 38-year-old female asked:
I hear a gurgling sound at base of head where my neck/head meet, like a small gurgle or small air bubbles passing through thin area when laying still.
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
A 29-year-old female asked:
I hear a rushing sound and feel a sensation of fluid in the back of neck going to the base of my head sometimes for years please tell me what this is?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 28-year-old female asked:
Sometimes feel something moving inside of back head / neck and hear like a gerggly sound at the same time what is this from? Also daily headaches
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 21-year-old female asked:
I cracked my neck and now on the right side of my head, I hear a squishy sound, a kind of cracking sound, it sounds like something is moving. it's hard to explain what it sounds like, but if I press down hard on the area it kind of hurts. what is it?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Last updated Feb 19, 2023

Found in:

Syncope

People also asked

I hear cracking sounds in my neck when I move my head backwards or sideways (normal movement) and in my back when I stretch it. It started two months ago?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
I have neck arthritus when i move my head side to side(ear to shoulder) you can hear my back crackle sound. What, normal?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
I am hearing cracking sound in my neck without any pain it happens when turning head from right to left?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Sometimes when I'm laying down I'll hear a fizzing sound in the back of my upper neck by my head. Lasts a few seconds and doesn't hurt. What is this?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
When I walk I have been hearing a swishing sound coming from the back of my neck/head area. Only hear when walking.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Related topics

Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
TermsPrivacyCookiesDMCA
Copyright 2023 HealthTap, Inc.