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DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249229
Abrupt-Onset Severe Headaches
Publication History
Publication Date:
29 March 2010 (online)
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ABSTRACT
Thunderclap headache, a severe headache which is maximal in intensity at onset, is associated with numerous underlying disorders, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, unruptured intracranial aneurysm, cervical artery dissection, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. After exclusion of all possible causes, thunderclap headache may be considered a primary headache. This review summarizes the diagnostic considerations and clinical approach to thunderclap headache, with particular emphasis on the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.
KEYWORDS
Thunderclap headache - subarachnoid hemorrhage - sentinel headache - reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes
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Todd J SchwedtM.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine
660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8111, St. Louis, MO 63110
Email: schwedtt@neuro.wustl.edu