[Case of exploding head syndrome]

Brain Nerve. 2010 Jan;62(1):85-8.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) attacks are characterized by the sensation of sudden loud banging noises, and are occasionally accompanied by the sensation of a flash light. Although these attacks in themselves are usually not painful, it is reported that EHS attacks may precede migraines and may be perceived as auras. A 53-year-old woman, with a 40-year history of fulgurating migraines, experienced 2 different types of EHS attacks. During most of the attacks, which were not painful, she heard sounds like someone yelling or cars passing by. Only 1 episode was accompanied with the sensation of a flash light and of sounds similar to those of an electrical short circuit. On the video-polysomnography, video-polysomnography showed 11 EHS attacks occurred during stage N1 and stage N2; these attacks were preceded by soft snoring. She also had moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (Apnea Hypopnea Index: 16.7) for which an oral appliance was prescribed; the EHS attacks did not recur after this treatment. The pathophysiology of EHS is still unclear. A detailed analysis of PSG data may help in understanding the pathophysiology of this syndrome and also in the selection of therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine with Aura* / complications
  • Migraine with Aura* / diagnosis
  • Migraine with Aura* / therapy
  • Orthodontic Appliances
  • Parasomnias* / diagnosis
  • Parasomnias* / etiology
  • Parasomnias* / therapy
  • Polysomnography
  • Sensation Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Sensation Disorders* / etiology
  • Sensation Disorders* / therapy
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / etiology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / therapy
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome