What is the biggest concern for a thunderclap headache?

A thunderclap headache is most commonly a symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. The most common cause of this type of bleeding is a ruptured aneurysm in the brain.

What is reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome?

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a group of disorders characterized by severe headaches and a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. RCVS is reversible and patients often recover within three months; the condition is frequently missed and is more common than most physicians realize.

What type of CVA is characterized by a thunderclap headache?

One of the most common causes of thunderclap headache with associated diffuse, segmental reversible cerebral vasospasm is referred to as reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). It can spontaneously occur and resolve within 1–3 months.

Does cerebral vasoconstriction cause headache?

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare condition that occurs as the result of a sudden constriction (tightening) of the vessels that supply blood to the brain. The main symptom of RCVS is sudden, severe, and disabling headaches that are sometimes called “thunderclap” headaches.

Can thunderclap headaches reoccur?

A thunderclap headache is a severe headache with sudden onset similar to a clap of thunder, with a maximum intensity within 1 minute. The primary types (thunderclap, cough, exertional, and sexual) can recur intermittently and are generally associated with a benign outcome.

Why do thunderclap headaches happen?

There’s no obvious cause for some thunderclap headaches. In other cases, a variety of potentially life-threatening conditions might be responsible, including: Bleeding between the brain and membranes covering the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage) A rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

What are the effects of vasoconstriction?

Vasoconstriction reduces the volume or space inside affected blood vessels. When blood vessel volume is lowered, blood flow is also reduced. At the same time, the resistance or force of blood flow is raised. This causes higher blood pressure.

Does vasoconstriction cause seizures?

Serial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebral angiography studies showed reversible occipital high-signal abnormalities and transient cerebral vasoconstriction. These findings suggest that vasoconstriction is a contributing factor to hypercalcemia-related seizures.

What can cause thunderclap headaches?

Causes of thunderclap headaches include:

• Torn or ruptured blood vessels in the brain.
• Stroke (blocked or bleeding blood vessel)
• Brain aneurysm (bulging or bleeding blood vessel)
• Head injury that causes a brain bleed.
• Vasculitis (swollen blood vessel)
• Infection in the brain such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Is thunderclap headache localized?

The main diagnostic feature of TCH is the rapidity with which they reach maximum intensity. The pain can be holocephalic or localized. Often TCH is associated with nausea and/or vomiting and depending on the cause of the pain, one can encounter altered cognition/alertness and focal deficits.

Can dehydration cause thunderclap headache?

In children, dehydration alone or in conjunction with infection are risk factors for CVST [27]. Another cause of thunderclap-onset headache, pituitary apoplexy, can occur due to dehydration.