How do I know if I had a thunderclap headache?

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.

What does a headache at the back of your head mean?

Back of your head A back of the head headache, often accompanied by neck pain, can also be a sign of a low-pressure headache, otherwise known as spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). It’s caused by low spinal fluid pressure in the brain.

Where is a thunderclap headache located?

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.

What is the biggest concern for a thunderclap headache?

Go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a thunderclap headache for the first time. It is urgent to determine if a dangerous condition is the underlying cause so it can be treated quickly if necessary. Some conditions associated with a thunderclap headache can be fatal without prompt treatment.

When should I worry about headaches in the back of my head?

When to get medical help for a headache on the back of your head. You should get medical help immediately if you have a headache on the top of your head — or in another location on your head — and you experience any of the following: the headache changes, gets worse quickly or is severe. the headache doesn’t go away.

How do you get rid of a thunderclap headache?

Management and Treatment A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine can help reduce swelling. Other drugs can manage blood pressure. If the thunderclap headache is caused by spasms in the brain’s blood vessels, IV or oral nimodipine (Nimotop®, Nymalize®) may be given.

Are there warning signs of a brain aneurysm?

Warning Signs/Symptoms

• Sudden and severe headache, often described as “the worst headache of my life”
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Stiff neck.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Seizure.
• Drooping eyelid.
• A dilated pupil.

What part of head hurts with aneurysm?

It’s rare, but an aneurysm that is large or growing can push on nerves or tissue and cause migraine-like symptoms, including: Headaches. Pain above or behind the eyes. Numbness, usually in your face.

Can COVID cause stabbing head pain?

COVID-19 related headaches were more closely associated with anosmia/ageusia and gastrointestinal complaints (p < 0.000 and p < 0.000), and showed different characteristics like pulsating, pressing, and even stabbing quality.

What are the symptoms of thunderclap headaches?

Altered mental state

What does thunderclap headache mean?

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.

What is the worst type of headache?

– stiff neck – rash – the worst headache you’ve ever had – vomiting – confusion – slurred speech – fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher – paralysis in any part of your body – visual loss

What causes sudden extreme headaches?

What causes sudden extreme headaches? Sudden severe headaches are one of the symptoms in diseases caused by certain insect-bites. Examples of such insect-borne diseases include malaria , dengue, African sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis), typhus, tick fever, and poliomyelitis.