Thunderclap Headache - Neurology Clinic Dubai DRHC

Thunderclap headache is an extremely severe or the worst headache experienced by a patient. Patients may describe it as “the worst headache of their life”. It begins and ends abruptly like a lightening. More often than not it can be an indicator of serious underlying brain disease and should never be neglected. Apart from the headache, the patient might experience nausea, vomiting, transient loss of consciousness, confusion, impaired speech, visual disturbances or weakness of one side of the body.

This type of headache should be invariably evaluated. Common causes of Thunderclap headache are:

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (Bleeding in the space around the brain surface)
• Intracerebral hemorrhage (Bleeding inside brain matter)
• Sudden severe rise in blood pressure
• Chocking of veins inside the brain
• Torn blood vessels (Dissection)
• Meningitis/ Encephalitis
• Vasoconstriction syndrome- spasm of blood vessels in the brain
• Apoplexy- Bleeding inside the Pituitary gland

Various investigations the patient might undergo include:

• CT Brain
• CT Angiography brain and neck
• MRI Brain with contrast
• MR Angiography with contrast
• Lumbar puncture (Spinal Tap)

Treatment depends on the cause. Most of the serious causes as mentioned above need hospitalization and invasive treatments.

Neurology Clinic in Dr. Rami Hamed Center, Dubai is located near Dubai Healthcare City. For Appointments, Call +97142798200