What is the thunderclap headache?

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.

What triggers a thunderclap headache?

A primary thunderclap headache can be caused by cough, heavy exercise or exertion or sexual activity. Primary thunderclap headaches aren't dangerous.

How do you fix a thunderclap headache?

There is no known preventive medication for primary TCH or RCVS. Bed rest is recommended, since exercise, anxiety, and sexual activity can precipitate more TCHs. Laxatives and stool softeners are also recommended, since straining or bearing down can trigger TCH.

How many days do thunderclap headaches last?

The headache, which is sudden and reaches maximum intensity within 30 seconds, usually lasts up to several hours, but a lingering less severe headache may persist for weeks. Episodes of thunderclap headache may occur repeatedly over a 7–14 day period.

What can mimic a thunderclap headache?

Examples of headaches that may mimic primary thunderclap headache are: Subarachnoid hemorrhage. Intracerebral hemorrhage. Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Thunderclap Headaches Explained

Can dehydration cause thunderclap headache?

Dehydration is a risk factor for thrombosis, particularly cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) which can present as a thunderclap-onset headache.

What is the most painful headache in the world?

"Cluster headache is probably the worst pain that humans experience.

How do I know if my headache is an emergency?

Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent. Your headache is "the worst ever," even if you regularly get headaches. You also have slurred speech, a change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with your headache. Your headache gets worse over 24 hours.

What is the difference between ice pick and thunderclap headache?

While both thunderclap and ice pick headaches are headache disorders featuring sudden and short-lasting head pain, thunderclap headaches are much more severe, often described as the “worst headache of your life." Ice pick headaches also tend to recur and are more common in those that have migraine.

How do you tell if a headache is an aneurysm?

Symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm usually begin with a sudden agonising headache. It's been likened to being hit on the head, resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before. Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm also tend to come on suddenly and may include: feeling or being sick.

Is a thunderclap headache a stroke?

Thunderclap headaches like Julie's come on quickly—usually in under 60 seconds—and are the worst headaches of your life, Dr. Carlin explains. They're a major warning sign of hemorrhagic stroke, as well as other life-threatening conditions such as severely high blood pressure or even meningitis.

Should I go to the ER for a thunderclap headache?

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.

At what point should you go to the hospital for a headache?

Seek emergency care if:

The headache is accompanied by high fever, confusion, stiff neck, prolonged vomiting, slurred speech or numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body. Headache medication does not relieve chronic or excruciating pain.

What will the ER do for a headache?

ER doctors can treat migraines with:

Nausea and pain relief medications. Nonsteroidal drugs or steroids to reduce inflammation. Sumatriptan for rapid migraine relief. Fluids via IV to prevent or alleviate dehydration.

What type of headache should I worry about?

See a doctor if you experience headaches that: Occur more often than usual. Are more severe than usual. Worsen or don't improve with appropriate use of over-the-counter drugs.

What's worse than a headache?

A migraine is an extremely painful primary headache disorder. Migraines usually produce symptoms that are more intense and debilitating than headaches.

What is worse than a migraine?

Cluster headaches can be more severe than a migraine, but they usually don't last as long. These are the least common type of headaches, affecting fewer than one in 1,000 people. Men get them more than women do. You usually start getting them before age 30.

Does drinking water help headaches?

Clinical bottom line: Water intake is a cost effective, non-invasive and low-risk intervention to reduce or prevent headache pain. Rationale: Chronic mild dehydration may trigger headache. Increased water intake could help.

Can a brain tumor cause thunderclap headaches?

On occasion, a headache from a brain tumor can cause a sudden, explosive "thunderclap headache," which may even lead to a loss of consciousness—this requires emergency medical attention. Remember too, not all brain tumors even cause headaches.

What kind of headache do you get before a stroke?

Based on our previous study of sentinel headache in transient ischemic attacks we defined sentinel headache as a new type of headache or a previous kind of headache with altered characteristics (severe intensity, increased frequency, absence of effect of drugs) within seven days before stroke.

What part of head hurts with aneurysm?

An unruptured brain aneurysm may produce no symptoms, particularly if it's small. However, a larger unruptured aneurysm may press on brain tissues and nerves, possibly causing: Pain above and behind one eye.

Are there warning signs days before an aneurysm?

An unruptured aneurysm might not initially have any symptoms, but that usually changes as it grows larger. The warning signs that indicate a person has developed an unruptured brain aneurysm include: Pain behind or above an eye. Double vision.

Are there any warning signs before a brain aneurysm?

Unruptured brain aneurysms usually have no symptoms. Typically, these aneurysms are small. Many unruptured aneurysms are found incidentally when tests are being done to screen for other conditions. Rarely, unruptured aneurysms may become large and press on nerves in the brain, causing symptoms.

What does a stroke headache feel like?

The easiest way to differentiate between the two is to pay attention to sensations. A migraine headache produces sensations like auras, flashing lights, or tingling skin, while a stroke-related headache causes sensations to be lost, such as a loss of vision or feeling.