A thunderclap headache is an extremely painful headache that comes on suddenly, like a clap of thunder. This type of headache has the most intense pain at its onset. People who have had a thunderclap headache often describe it as the worst headache of their life, unlike any headache they've ever experienced.
"Cluster headache is probably the worst pain that humans experience. I know that's quite a strong remark to make, but if you ask a cluster headache patient if they've had a worse experience, they'll universally say they haven't. Women with cluster headache will tell you that an attack is worse than giving birth.
Overview. Thunderclap headaches live up to their name, striking suddenly like a clap of thunder. The pain of these severe headaches peaks within 60 seconds. Thunderclap headaches are uncommon, but they can warn of potentially life-threatening conditions — usually having to do with bleeding in and around the brain.
The pain of cluster headache is anecdotally considered to be one of the worst pains in existence.
Hemiplegic migraine is a rare disorder in which affected individuals experience a migraine headache along with weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia). Affected individuals are described as having a migraine with aura.
A severe headache could be a primary symptom of a brain aneurysm that is rupturing, or about to. A brain or cerebral aneurysm is a thin, weak spot in the wall of an artery, where blood pools, eventually forcing the artery to bulge. Like a stretching balloon, an aneurysm weakens as it enlarges.
Headaches that get steadily worse. Changes in personality or mental function. Headaches that are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.
Seek emergency care if:
The headache is accompanied by high fever, confusion, stiff neck, prolonged vomiting, slurred speech or numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body. Headache medication does not relieve chronic or excruciating pain.
If your headache persists for longer than 72 hours, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The same is true for headaches that come and go but continuously occur in the same spot.
Treatments in the ER
Some pain medications you may get at the ER as an IV treatment for migraine include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ketorolac. Acetaminophen. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron), which can prevent recurring migraines.
Go to a hospital emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number if you're experiencing the worst headache of your life, a sudden, severe headache or a headache accompanied by: Confusion or trouble understanding speech. Fainting. High fever, greater than 102 F to 104 F (39 C to 40 C)
Symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm usually begin with a sudden agonising headache. It's been likened to being hit on the head, resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before. Other symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm also tend to come on suddenly and may include: feeling or being sick.
Ice Pick Headache (Primary Stabbing Headache) Ice pick headaches are a type of headache disorder that causes unexpected, sharp, stabbing pains. Primary stabbing headaches have no underlying cause. They're difficult to treat because the pain lasts just a few seconds.
The key to headache relief is in the climax. An orgasm is thought by researchers to act like a natural analgesic. The reason for this could be in the surge of blood flow, feel-good endorphins and hormones released during a sexual climax. These include dopamine and serotonin – known as 'happy' hormones.
Self-Massage Techniques for Headache Relief
Press your thumbs firmly towards each other and into the bridge of your nose, just underneath your forehead. Hold for 10 seconds, breath deeply. Repeat 5 times. Take your thumbs and place them just underneath your forehead, with the pads very close to the bridge of your nose.
An unruptured brain aneurysm may not have any symptoms, especially if it's small. However, a larger unruptured aneurysm may press on brain tissues and nerves. Symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm may include: Pain above and behind one eye.
One of the most obvious signs of a ruptured aneurysm is intense head pain, typically described as the worst headache of your life. Additional symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include: Nausea and vomiting. Double or blurred vision.
An unruptured aneurysm might not initially have any symptoms, but that usually changes as it grows larger. The warning signs that indicate a person has developed an unruptured brain aneurysm include: Pain behind or above an eye. Double vision.
A migraine cocktail administered in the ER may contain medications like nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), magnesium, triptans, and IV fluids.
What causes a persistent headache? A persistent headache can result from an injury or a structural problem in the spine, such as arthritis. It can also affect people who have migraine or have had a stroke. The overuse of pain relief drugs can also cause an ongoing headache.
Unlike a migraine, thunderclap headaches seem to come on suddenly. The pain grabs your attention in the same way a clap of thunder does. You can feel pain anywhere on your head or neck. You may even feel it in your back.
Go to hospital now
Serious and urgent causes of headaches include infection, bleeding, clots and tumours. Don't hesitate to go straight to hospital (via ambulance, or with a trusted driver) if you notice one or more of the following: sudden onset of the worst headache you've ever had.