Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Thunderclap headache
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A thunderclap headache is a sudden and severe headache.[1] Since it is sometimes a sign of a medical emergency, one should “seek immediate medical attention for any headache that comes on suddenly and severely.”[1] The name “thunderclap” signifies the intensity and acuity of such headaches.
Causes
Causes
In 25% of cases, a thunderclap headache is an indication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which often leads to death or severe disability.[2]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Headaches which accompany SAH are “frequently described as being the worst headache of one’s life, although other clinical presentations are possible.”[3]
CT
Diagnosis is made via a process of exclusion with accompanying negative computed tomography and lumbar puncture results.
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 “Thunderclap headaches”. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2006-11-27.
- ↑ Linn, F H H (1998). “Headache characteristics in subarachnoid haemorrhage and benign thunderclap headache”. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 65: 791–793. Retrieved 2007-01-09. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (help) - ↑ “Evidence-Based Diagnosis of Nontraumatic Headache in the ER”. Medscape. Retrieved 2006-11-27.
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Editor-In-Chief: Template:Search infobox C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]