Thunderclap Headaches : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What are Thunderclap Headaches?
A thunderclap headache could be a severe headache that starts suddenly.
This kind of headache pain doesn't happen step by step. Instead, it’s an intense and extremely painful headache as before long because it starts. In fact, it’s often represented as the worst headache of someone’s life.
A thunderclap headache could also be a signal of a condition which will be life threatening.
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| Thunderclap Headaches |
It’s vital that you simply ask for medical attention if you think that you’re experiencing one. it {should} even have a benign cause that’s not life threatening, however a doctor should still check it immediately to search out what’s inflicting it.A thunderclap headache is a very painful headache that comes on suddenly, sort of a clap of thunder. This kind of headache reaches its most intense pain inside one minute and lasts a minimum of five minutes.
Thunderclap headaches strike with no warning. A number of these headaches are benign (not dangerous). however they'll even be a signal of very serious underlying conditions that involve injury in and around the brain.
It's vital to hunt for medical attention at once to rule out dangerous causes of a thunderclap headache.
Medical terms
- Thunderclap headaches live up to their name, putting suddenly sort of a clap of thunder. The pain of those severe headaches peaks inside sixty seconds. Thunderclap headaches are uncommon, however they'll warn of doubtless severe conditions — sometimes having to try to deal with hemorrhage in and around the brain. obtain emergency medical attention for a thunderclap headache.
- Never heard of a thunderclap headache? Don’t worry You aren’t alone In fact according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) most people living with migraines have never heard about them either What is a thunderclap headache? A person who experiences one will feel an intense pain in the head that is generally described as being similar to the way your ears “pop” when you drive up or down a hill in a car This pain then goes away very quickly just like how a clapping noise doesn’t last.
: Causes and treatment Thunderclap headaches are the most severe type of headache They occur suddenly last less than 1 hour and are not accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or fever Thunderclap headaches may be a sign that a person is experiencing intracranial hemorrhage or stroke Because the pain is so severe and typically lasts only for an hour emergency treatment is warranted to prevent death or serious damage to the brain.
Symptoms Thunderclap headaches
The main symptom of a thunderclap headache is explosive and severe pain within the head. This pain reaches its most intense purpose inside sixty seconds and lasts a minimum of five minutes.
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.
Causes Thunderclap headaches
A thunderclap headache is most ordinarily a proof of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, or hemorrhage within the brain, which may be life threatening if not treated quickly. The foremost common reason for this sort of bleeding could be a damaged aneurysm in the brain.There' no obvious cause for a few thunderclap headaches. In different cases, a range of doubtless critical conditions may 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
Diagnosis Thunderclap headaches
Doctors sometimes diagnose thunderclap headaches with associate imaging take a look at known as a CT-Angiogram scan. This test shows a doctor the blood vessels in an exceedingly round the brain to envision what's inflicting the pain. Typically doctors take a sample of body fluid from the rear in a test called a spinal tap. This test allows doctors to see if there's blood within the spinal fluid to assist confirm the reason behind the headache. resonance imaging (MRI), another variety of imaging test, could also be ordered if the CT and spinal fluid are normal.The following tests are usually wanted to try and confirm the reason behind a thunderclap headache.
CT scan of the head. CT scans take X-rays that make slice-like, cross-sectional pictures of your brain ANd head. A pc combines these images to form a full image of your brain. generally an iodine-based dye is employed to reinforce the picture.
Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). The doctor removes a little quantity of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. The liquid body substance sample is tested for signs of injury or infection.
MRI. In some cases, this imaging study could be in hot water. A field of force and radio waves are wont to produce cross-sectional pictures of the structures inside 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).
Treatment Thunderclap headaches
Treatment for thunderclap headaches depends on the cause. If a thunderclap headache isn't related to an associate degree imperative underlying condition, your doctor might treat it with medication. A non-steroidal medicament (NSAID) medicine will facilitate scale back swelling. Alternative medication can manage blood pressure. If the thunderclap headache is caused by spasms within the brain’s blood vessels, IV or oral nimodipine (Nimotop®, Nymalize®) is also given. Some thunderclap headaches need surgery to repair torn or busted blood vessels or take away a blockage. Your doctor can verify the most effective treatment possibility supports the reason for the headache.
Treatment is aimed at the cause of the headaches — if one can be found.
Preparing for your appointment
Thunderclap headaches are typically diagnosed in the associate degree emergency room. However, if you decide to line up an arrangement along with your own doctor, you would possibly be referred instantly to a doctor who focuses on the brain and systema nervosum (neurologist). If you have got time to organize for your appointment, here's some info to assist you get ready.
What you can do
Make a list of:
Your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to your headaches, and when they began
Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and medical history
All medications, vitamins and other supplements you take, including doses
Questions to ask your doctor
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive.
Some questions to ask your doctor include:
What is likely causing my headaches?
Are there other possible causes for my headaches?
What tests do I need?
Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
What is the best course of action?
I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
Are there restrictions I need to follow?
Should I see a specialist?
Are there brochures or other printed material I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:
Have you had other thunderclap headaches?
Do you have a history of other headaches?
If you've had other headaches, have they been continuous or occasional?
Describe your headaches and their symptoms
How severe are your headaches?
What, if anything, seems to improve your headaches?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your headaches?
General summary
- Thunderclap headaches are severe headaches that last less than 60 minutes making them a rare but frightening experience These headaches may be brought on by a number of things including infection trauma and drug or alcohol abuse In most cases the pain peaks within 30 minutes and then gradually goes away over the next few hours--or in this case days Because thunderclap headaches are typically caused by illness or injury they tend to get better with time rather than worse A sudden onset of this type of headache is always cause for concern because it can mean there's something wrong with your brain or spinal cord If you.
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