Thunderclap headache
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| Thunderclap headache | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-10 | G44.80 |
| ICD-9 | 339.43 |
A thunderclap headache is a headache that is severe and sudden (like a thunderclap).[1] Because it may be a sign of a medical emergency, some sources recommend immediate medical attention.[1]
In 25% of cases, a thunderclap headache is an indication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which often leads to death or severe disability.[2] Headaches which accompany SAH are "frequently described as being the worst headache of one's life, although other clinical presentations are possible."[3]
Diagnosis is made via a process of exclusion with accompanying negative computed tomograph and lumbar puncture results.
[edit] Causes
Thunderclap headaches can be caused by a number of different primary conditions including[4][5]
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Cerebral venous thrombosis
- Cervical artery dissection
- Pituitary apoplexy
- Ischemic stroke
- Orgasm
- Acute hypertensive crisis
- Colloid cyst of the third ventricle
- Meningitis
- Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes or RCVS (this includes hypertensive encephalopathy and vasculopathies associated with pregnancy and postpartum (postpartum angiopathy))
- Primary thunderclap headache
- Complicated sinusitis[6]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Thunderclap headaches". Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/thunderclap-headaches/DS00644/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print. Retrieved 2006-11-27.
- ^ Linn, F H H; G J E Rinkel, A Algra, J van Gijn (November 1998). "Headache characteristics in subarachnoid haemorrhage and benign thunderclap headache". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 65: 791–793. doi:. http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/65/5/791. Retrieved 2007-01-09.
- ^ "Evidence-Based Diagnosis of Nontraumatic Headache in the ER". Medscape. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/481270_3. Retrieved 2006-11-27.
- ^ 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:. PMID 18809105.
- ^ "UpToDate Inc.". http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=headache/3013&selectedTitle=1~22&source=search_result#7.
- ^ http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118608409/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
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