What Causes Thunderclap Headaches?
A thunderclap headache, as the name implies, is a headache that comes on suddenly and severely like a thunderclap. The pain reaches a peak in sixty seconds or less. It's uncommon for individuals to experience thunderclap headaches, but they should never be treated lightly. There are many potential causes of thunderclap headaches, many of which are life-threatening. The most common are related to bleeding around or inside the brain. Patients who experience a thunderclap headache should get emergency medical care. Doctors may do a number of tests to try to determine the headache's cause, including a lumbar puncture, MRI, CT scan, or MRA. The treatment depends largely on the underlying cause. If the headache's cause isn't diagnosed in the emergency room, patients might be referred to a neurologist who can run further tests. Prior to this appointment, patients should list their medical history, medications, symptoms, and questions they have.