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Thunder Clap Migraines

By the name alone, a "thunderclap" headache or migraine indicates that this is a serious and a painful condition. This type of headache certainly deserves the designation of "thunderclap" because it strikes suddenly and is brutal. It can be a warning that something very serious is happening in your body.

  1. Warning Sign

    • The Mayo Clinic explains that this type of headache is uncommon. It is a warning sign of a potentially life-threatening condition and may indicate that there is bleeding around and in the brain. A thunderclap headache requires immediate medical attention, notes the Mayo Clinic.

    Identification

    • A thunderclap headache or migraine is sometimes likened to being kicked in the back of the head. Nausea and vomiting are apt to occur. It can peak within 60 seconds and last for one hour up to 10 days. The pain can occur in your head or your neck.

    Hemorrhaging

    • Relieve-migraine-headache.com reports that nearly one-half of people suffering from a aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (meaning an artery has ruptured and is bleeding into the brain) report a thunderclap headache as one of the symptoms.

    Various Causes

    • A thunderclap headache can be the result of a tear in the lining of an artery; a tumor in the brain that blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid; the bleeding or death of tissue in the pituitary gland; a blood clot in the brain; extreme elevation of blood pressure; or infection from meningitis or encephalitis.

    Treatment

    • Regular headache medications aren't effective if you have a thunderclap headache. Your physician may give you an injection or a nasal spray that will work quickly to stop the pain.

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