Seek emergency medical attention for a thunderclap headache. CT scans take X-rays that create slice-like, cross-sectional images of your brain and head. Other symptoms may include:Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2018. This pain reaches its most intense point within 60 seconds and lasts at least 5 minutes. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. We do not capture any email address. A thunderclap headache is an extremely painful headache that comes on suddenly, like a clap of thunder. Although TCH initially referred to pain associated with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm [ 1 ], multiple etiologies are now recognized [ 2 ] (table 1). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. The You might also have several other symptoms, including:Thunderclap headaches could be caused by bleeding from an A thunderclap headache could also be caused by any of the following:Some activities such as the following could trigger a thunderclap headache:Thunderclap headache treatment depends on whatâs causing the pain.National Headache Foundation: "Case Studies in Headaches: Thunderclap Headaches. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Definition. The most important initial investigation is computed tomography of the brain, which is very sensitive for subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Some of these headaches are benign (not dangerous). Thunderclap headache is an uncommon type of headache, but recognition and diagnosis are important because of the possibility of a serious underlying brain disorder. Causes of thunderclap headaches include:The main symptom of a thunderclap headache is sudden and severe pain in the head. (2)Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. Thunderclap headaches live up to their name, striking suddenly like a clap of thunder. Patients with thunderclap headache must be evaluated emergently and comprehensively to rule out underlying disorders that can be associated with high mortality and morbidity, determine the cause for the thunderclap headache, and initiate targeted therapy. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. A thunderclap headache is most commonly a symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Diagnosis The following tests are commonly used to try to determine the cause of a thunderclap headache.
What is a thunderclap headache?
The most common causes are migraine and episodic tension-type headache. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. The most common cause of … This type of headache reaches its most intense pain within 1 minute and lasts at least 5 minutes.
‘Thunderclap headache’ is een peracute hevige hoofdpijn die ‘inslaat als een donderslag’.1 Het is een verontrustend verschijnsel in de medische praktijk aangezien het een uiting kan zijn van ernstige, levensbedreigende aandoeningen.2 Als geen onderliggende oorzaak wordt gevonden spreekt men van ‘idiopathische’ of ‘primaire’ thunderclap headache. This test shows a doctor the blood vessels in and around the brain to see what is causing the pain. Most importantly, SAH, other intracranial hemorrhages, or cerebral venous thrombosis should be excluded by CT, or, if the CT scan is negative, by examining the CSF. Other organic causes of thunderclap headache are meningitis, colloid cyst of the third ventricle, spontaneous intracranial hypotension and acute sinusitis (particularly with barotrauma). However, if you call to set up an appointment with your own doctor, you might be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system (neurologist).If you have time to prepare for your appointment, here's some information to help you get ready.Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive.Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A small proportion of patients present acutely to a primary care doctor, and the main objective is to identify those who require urgent investigations. Thunderclap headache is frequently associated with serious vascular intracranial vascular disorders, particularly subarachnoid haemorrhage: it is mandatory to exclude this and a range of other such conditions including intracerebral haemorrhage, cerebral venous thrombosis, unruptured vascular malformation (mostly aneurysm), arterial dissection (intra- and extracranial), reversible cerebral … Thunderclap headache (TCH) refers to a severe headache of sudden onset. The term thunderclap headache is used to decribe a severe headache of instantaneous … How is a thunderclap headache diagnosed? People often call this the first worst headache of their life. The following tests are commonly used to try to determine the cause of a thunderclap headache.Treatment is aimed at the cause of the headaches — if one can be found.Thunderclap headaches are often diagnosed in an emergency room.