Thunderclap headache

Thunderclap headache
Other namesLone acute severe headache
SpecialtyNeurology

A thunderclap headache is a headache that is severe and has a sudden onset. It is defined as a severe headache that takes seconds to minutes to reach maximum intensity.[1][2] Although approximately 75% are attributed to "primary" headaches—headache disorder, non-specific headache, idiopathic thunderclap headache, or uncertain headache disorder—the remainder are secondary to other causes, which can include some extremely dangerous acute conditions, as well as infections and other conditions.[3] Usually, further investigations are performed to identify the underlying cause.[1]

  1. ^ a b Schwedt TJ, Matharu MS, Dodick DW (July 2006). "Thunderclap headache". Lancet Neurol. 5 (7): 621–31. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(06)70497-5. PMID 16781992. S2CID 5511658.
  2. ^ Edlow JA, Panagos PD, Godwin SA, Thomas TL, Decker WW (October 2008). "Clinical policy: critical issues in the evaluation and management of adult patients presenting to the emergency department with acute headache". Ann Emerg Med. 52 (4): 407–36. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2008.07.001. PMID 18809105. S2CID 507361.
  3. ^ Devenney, Emma; Neale, Hazel; Forbes, Raeburn B (14 August 2014). "A systematic review of causes of sudden and severe headache (Thunderclap Headache): should lists be evidence based?". The Journal of Headache and Pain. 15 (1): 49. doi:10.1186/1129-2377-15-49. PMC 4231167. PMID 25123846.