A thunderclap headache is a type of intense and severe headache that can occur all of a sudden. Often described as being "the worst headache ever", it can literally bring grown men down on their knees.
A thunderclap headache can be the result of two disorders, Benign Thunderclap headache (BTH) and Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).
Actress Sharon Stone recently had a bout with SAH, which according to her neurosurgeon, was caused by a tear in the vertebral artery at the base of her skull. Stone initially experienced a crippling headache, and having suffered from migraines for years, felt that something was way off, as this headache felt different. After calling her ex-husband, who was out of town, she stayed in her house for the next three days, unaware that blood was leaking into her head from a torn artery.
Recounting her ordeal on Oprah Winfrey's show, Stone mentioned that nothing was already making sense to her by that time, so she didn’t even think of calling 911. She advised viewers to immediately go to the hospital if they are experiencing the worst headache ever, "because by the time you get to the hospital, you're as far gone as you wanna be."
Dangers of Thunderclap Headaches
Depending on what's causing it, a thunderclap headache can either be dangerous or just unpleasant but harmless. As Sharon Stone said, you have to get emergency help fast if you are suffering what seems to be the worst headache yet. Thunderclap headaches aren’t common, but when they do occur, time is crucial.
Once a thunderclap headache occurs happens, there is no way you can find out if the headache is benign or if it is a hemorrhage. This is why it is important that you go to a hospital right away in order to be evaluated quickly; if the thunderclap headache does turn out to be SAH, you might require emergency treatment, and possibly even surgery.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhages
Around one fifth of the blood supply pumped by the heart is routed to the network of vessels found in the brain. When trauma occurs, or a weak spot gives way in a vessel wall, it can cause a bleed or hemorrhage. A bleed under one of arachnoid layers of the brain is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Other Symptoms
Some known symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage can include sudden and severe headache, sensitivity to light, neck pain, back pain, feeling sick and vomiting, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Possible Causes
Other causes of SAH could include:
- Cerebral aneurysm. When a portion of a blood vessel wall becomes thin, it becomes a weak spot and can eventually rupture, causing blood to flow out into the surrounding tissue.
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM). When blood vessels in the brain clump together and make abnormal connections with each other, they can cause AVM. This cluster of vessels is generally weak and could lead to bleeding.
- Trauma. A major blow to the head can break blood vessels inside the brain, which will cause bleeding.
Treatment
A CT scan is recommended in order to determine the cause of the thunderclap headache. If the thunderclap headache is benign, you will be placed under observation until recovery is complete. If SAH is discovered, though, the bleeding inside your brain should be stopped before more damage is done, so surgery will most likely be required.
For more help on the prevention, treatment and remedies for migraines please see the Complete Guide To Migraine Headaches.
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