HomeHealth articlesexploding head syndromeWhat Is Exploding Head Syndrome?

Exploding Head Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

Exploding head syndrome is a sleep disorder in which a person hears loud or explosive crashing sounds in their head. Read the article for more information.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Abhishek Juneja

Published At May 29, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 31, 2024

Introduction:

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a sleep disorder that can be upsetting but relatively harmless. During sleep or wakefulness, an EHS sufferer experiences an explosion-like sound or sensation in their head. Although EHS is not painful, it may make a person so alert that they have difficulty going back to sleep.

EHS episodes can be extremely frightening. However, gaining an understanding of this sleep disorder's causes and most common symptoms may provide some much-needed relief.

What Is Exploding Head Syndrome?

A sleep disorder known as exploding head syndrome is characterized by the perception or sound of a loud, sudden explosion inside a person's head, which frequently elicits feelings of fear or panic. Parasomnia is a type of sleep disorder that includes EHS. Parasomnias are characterized by recurrent events or behaviors that occur while a person is sleeping, falling asleep, or waking up. These incorporate undesirable developments, dreams, or sentiments that cause nighttime awakenings.

In EHS, a person wakes up from sleep with the sensation of something exploding inside of them or with the mental image of a loud noise. These sounds are described in a variety of ways by people with EHS, including:

  • An explosion of a bomb.

  • A clap of thunder or a crack of lightning.

  • The sound of clanging cymbals (a percussion instrument).

  • A gunshot.

  • Fireworks.

Periodically, the sound might be less dramatic, for example, humming, signaling, or a door slamming. The sound or sensation may also be accompanied by a muscle jerk or twitch and a flash of light.

EHS episodes typically occur just as a person is about to fall asleep or wake up, and they only last for a short time. These episodes can occur at any time. They typically occur in groups, with multiple episodes occurring in a single night, followed by a period of time ranging from several weeks to months.

EHS might be more inescapable than recently known, as late examinations recommend. However, there is currently no EHS diagnostic test. Doctors may use a sleep study, which is an overnight medical exam, to diagnose other sleep disorders. However, sleep studies typically show normal results for people with EHS.

Furthermore, those who experience EHS episodes may be less likely to report them because many people are unfamiliar with the term. Because doctors may mistake EHS for a headache syndrome or another disorder, it is likely that the condition is not properly diagnosed.

What Causes Exploding Head Syndrome?

Exploding head syndrome's cause is a mystery to medical professionals, but there are a few possible explanations for the symptoms that researchers have come up with through several theories.

  • Disorders of the Ear: People with EHS may have diseases or abnormalities in the structures in their ears, which could be one possible explanation for why they imagine startling noises.

  • Differences in How the Brain Works: Another idea is that people with EHS have trouble getting their brain cells to work properly while they sleep. Normally, as one transitions into sleep, the parts of the brain that control touch and sound start to shut down, but people with EHS may have a delay in this process.

  • A Genetic Change: People with EHS may also exhibit changes in brain cell activity, according to this theory, but these changes are caused by a mutation in a gene that assists in regulating the activity of neurons at the molecular level.

  • Drug Withdrawal Symptoms: Some researchers believe that withdrawal from certain substances, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, could cause EHS symptoms.

Although these hypotheses are intriguing, additional evidence will be required to fully comprehend EHS's underlying causes.

Researchers are also attempting to determine whether some individuals are more susceptible to EHS than others. Some proof recommends that EHS happens all the more as often as possible in ladies and individuals assigned female at the time of their birth. It is possible that people with sleep paralysis are also more likely to experience episodes of EHS.

Additionally, EHS is linked to stress, which has a significant impact on many aspects of sleep. EHS sufferers are more likely to experience episodes during times of stress and insomnia.

Is Exploding Head Syndrome a Serious Condition?

According to medical professionals, exploding head syndrome does not result in physical harm. However, even if a person is aware that these episodes do not pose a threat, they can still be frightening. Subsequent to awakening from an EHS episode, it is generally expected to feel:

  • A feeling of shock.

  • A feeling of panic.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Heart palpitations.

  • Sweating.

People with EHS may be concerned that their condition is a sign of a more serious underlying medical problem before they receive a diagnosis. However, EHS is not dangerous, and merely gaining a better understanding of the disorder may help a person improve their symptoms.

Even though exploding head syndrome is not a big problem, EHS can cause or make problems like insomnia, anxiety, and migraine headaches worse.

It is important to emphasize that episodes of EHS should not cause significant pain. A person should seek medical attention whenever they experience pain or headaches. For instance, waking up with a migraine could be an indication of various clinical issues, including rest apnea.

How Is Exploding Head Syndrome Treated?

Education about the condition, the identification of potential triggers, and the treatment of any underlying health issues such as anxiety are all part of the treatment for exploding head syndrome.

  • Education: Education about the disorder is the main treatment for EHS. Reassurance from a medical professional that the symptoms are generally harmless may help reduce the frequency of such episodes.

  • Identify the Triggering Factors: Working with a doctor to find out what triggers the condition helps individuals personally. Since stress has been shown to be a trigger for EHS, it can be beneficial to identify areas of tension in life and take necessary steps to reduce the stress.

  • Address the Anxiety at the Root: Notwithstanding stress, untreated tension might set off EHS. Talking to a doctor about ways to deal with anxiety helps. Increasing one's level of physical activity, avoiding caffeine, adhering to a well-balanced diet, engaging in mindfulness meditation, or attempting psychotherapy and medication in combination are all examples of this.

  • Treat Additional Sleep Problems: EHS can be triggered by a lack of sleep, and frequent EHS episodes can exacerbate insomnia. Identifying and treating other sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, is essential in addition to working on the EHS symptoms.

  • Think About Medications: Education may not be effective as a first-line intervention for anyone experiencing particularly distressing or severe episodes of EHS. Doctors have used a number of medications to help alleviate symptoms, despite the need for additional research. Discussing with a doctor about individualized options is advised.

Conclusion:

The exploding head syndrome may seem frightening, especially the first few times of experiencing the symptoms. The symptoms are not dangerous; however, for some people, being jolted awake in sleep might cause anxiety. Managing the stress levels, especially during sleep, will be helpful. Additionally, if it occurs regularly or starts affecting the sleep schedule, it is best to see a doctor and ask about consulting a sleep specialist.

Dr. Abhishek Juneja
Dr. Abhishek Juneja

Neurology

Tags:

exploding head syndrome
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

exploding head syndrome

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy