Exploding head syndrome has been referred to in different ways, including:
- A loud bang that caused no pain reverberated through the room.
- A crash of cymbals
- A bomb going off
Exploding head syndrome episodes can cause a great deal of distress, often accompanied by a flash of light or muscle twitch. Whilst painless in the majority of cases, some individuals experience a sudden stab in their head. This has understandably led many to fear they are having a stroke. As for frequency, the number of attacks varies widely - from very rare to multiple times in one night - and can seriously affect sleep if it appears frequently or clusters over two or more nights, followed by an absence lasting several weeks or months.
The cause of exploding head syndrome is still uncertain, and cases may become more frequent during times of extreme exhaustion or stress. Fortunately, these episodes tend to subside over time in several individuals.
Exploding head syndrome is often mistaken for headache syndromes, yet it is generally a non-painful occurrence that does not cause long-term anguish.
You may have exploding head syndrome if:
- You awaken to a sudden loud noise or explosion in your head
- These sounds are normally free of any sense of pain
- These events wake you suddenly with a sense of fright
It is important to consider if an alternative source may be causing the perceived sound. This could be due to one of several factors, such as:
- Another sleep disorder
- A medical condition
- Medication use
- A mental health disorder
- Substance abuse