Thunderclap Headache - Diagnosis & Treatment

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Our Expertise & Doctors

How is a thunderclap headache diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a thunderclap headache involves:

Medical history and symptom review with your doctor.
Physical and neurological examination.
Imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain to detect bleeding, clots, or other abnormalities.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to analyse cerebrospinal fluid if bleeding is suspected but not visible on imaging.
Angiography, which refers to the imaging of blood vessels to detect any abnormalities like aneurysms or vessel narrowing.

How is a thunderclap headache treated?

Treatment for a thunderclap headache focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms:

Emergency care. Immediate medical intervention to stabilise the patient and prevent complications.
Medications. Depending on the cause, medications might be used to control blood pressure, prevent blood clots, or reduce inflammation.
Surgery. In cases of bleeding or aneurysms, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Ongoing monitoring and management. Regular follow-up to monitor recovery and manage any ongoing issues.

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