Thunderclap headache
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| Thunderclap headache Classification and external resources |
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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. In 25% of cases, a thunderclap headache is an indication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which often leads to death or severe disability.[1] Headaches which accompany SAH are "frequently described as being the worst headache of one's life, although other clinical presentations are possible."[1]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made via a process of exclusion with accompanying negative computed tomograph and lumbar puncture results.
References
Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
