Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
09:14
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
Exploding head syndrome: a case report
Gautam Ganguly1, Banshari Mridha, Asif Khan
1Neurological Consultants Medical Group, Los Angeles County Medical Center, University of Southern California - Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif., USA.
Case Reports in Neurology
|March 8, 2013
Summary
Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a rare, benign sleep disorder causing loud noises during awakenings. This case study details a patient
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Parasomnias
Background:
- Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a rare parasomnia characterized by a loud noise sensation upon awakening.
- The exact cause of EHS remains unknown.
- Differential diagnosis includes primary and secondary headache disorders and nocturnal seizures.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old Indian male reported four episodes over two years of awakening with a "flashing sound" and "explosions in his head" on the right side.
- The patient experienced these events during sleep.
- Neurologic examination, imaging, and polysomnography were conducted.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation and diagnostic workup led to a confirmed diagnosis of Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS).
- The case highlights the clinical presentation of EHS.
- Diagnostic procedures were essential to exclude other neurological conditions.
Implications:
- Exploding head syndrome is a benign, self-limited, and predominantly nocturnal disorder.
- Typically, no specific treatment is required for EHS.
- Patient reassurance is often the primary management strategy for EHS.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...