Disease: Thunderclap headaches

Overview

Thunderclap headaches live up to their name, striking suddenly like a clap of thunder. The pain of these severe headaches peaks within 60 seconds.

Thunderclap headaches are uncommon, but they can warn of potentially life-threatening conditions — usually having to do with bleeding in and around the brain. Seek emergency medical attention for a thunderclap headache.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Thunderclap headaches are dramatic. Symptoms include pain that:

  • Strikes suddenly and severely
  • Peaks within 60 seconds
  • Can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting

Thunderclap headaches might be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as:

  • Altered mental state
  • Fever
  • Seizures

These signs and symptoms might reflect the underlying cause.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical attention for any headache that comes on suddenly and severely.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

There's no obvious cause for some thunderclap headaches. In other cases, a variety of potentially life-threatening conditions might be responsible, including:

  • Bleeding between the brain and membranes covering the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
  • A rupture of a blood vessel in the brain
  • A tear in the lining of an artery that supplies blood to the brain
  • Leaking of cerebrospinal fluid — usually due to a tear of the covering around a nerve root in the spine
  • Death of tissue or bleeding in the pituitary gland
  • A blood clot in the brain
  • Severe elevation in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis)
  • Infection such as meningitis or encephalitis
  • Ischemic stroke

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

The following tests are commonly used to try to determine the cause of a thunderclap headache.

  • CT scan of the head. CT scans take X-rays that create slice-like, cross-sectional images of your brain and head. A computer combines these images to create a full picture of your brain. Sometimes an iodine-based dye is used to augment the picture.
  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). The doctor removes a small amount of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid sample can be tested for signs of bleeding or infection.
  • MRI. In some cases, this imaging study might be done for further assessment. A magnetic field and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of the structures within your brain.
  • Magnetic resonance angiography. MRI machines can be used to map the blood flow inside your brain in a test called a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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