What Causes Thunderclap Headaches?

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to thunderclap headaches. This condition is a kind of life-threatening stroke that occurs when there's bleeding in the area around the brain. There are multiple possible causes of subarachnoid hemorrhages including head injuries, ruptured aneurysms, or a brain arteriovenous malformation. Arteriovenous malformations are knots or tangles of abnormal blood vessels responsible for connecting the brain's veins and arteries. One-third of patients who experience a subarachnoid hemorrhage survive and recovery well, another third survive but have a permanent disability, and the last third pass away. These types of strokes must be treated as soon as possible to stop the bleeding and restore the normal flow of blood in the brain. Like a cerebrospinal fluid leak, the thunderclap headache is related to cerebrospinal fluid. When there's bleeding into the area around the brain, the brain's lining becomes irritated. There's also increased pressure against the brain as well as damage to the brain cells.

Continue reading to reveal more conditions that can cause thunderclap headaches now.