Definition:
A thunderclap headache is a severe headache that occurs suddenly. Since it is sometimes a sign of a medical emergency, one should seek immediate medical attention for any headache that occurs suddenly and severely.
Diagnosis:
CT scans, spinal tap, MRI, and angiography are helpful in determinig the underlying condition that's causing the thunderclap headaches.`
Treatment:
There is no single treatment for thunderclap headaches. Treatment is targeted at the underlying problem causing the headaches — if one is found. If no identifiable cause can be found and there is recurring thunderclap headaches, the doctor may suggest preventive medicine to be taken on a daily basis. With or without treatment, thunderclap headaches often stop happening within a few days or weeks.
Symptoms and Signs:
Thunderclap headaches are dramatic since the pain strikes suddenly and severely. Some people describe the pain as the worst headache they've ever had. The pain peaks within a minute and usually lasts several hours — although some thunderclap headaches may linger for up to 10 days.
Causes:
Potentially life-threatening conditions that cause thses headaches include: bleeding between the brain and membranes covering the brain; a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain, which may rupture; a tear in the lining of an artery that supplies blood to the brain; a cyst that blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid; and death of tissue or bleeding in the pituitary gland.
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