Thunderclap headache (TCH) refers to an excruciating headache of instantaneous onset—as sudden and as unexpected as a “clap of thunder.”³

The term "thunderclap headache" was first used to describe this headache as a symptom of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm. Since then, some other disorders have been noted to also present with TCH. Those disorders include:

• subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH),
• cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST),
• pituitary apoplexy,
• spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH),
• hypertensive encephalopathy,
• and retroclival hematoma.

In all of these cases, since the TCH is caused by another disorder, the headache is classified as a secondary headache.

When no organic cause is present, primary thunderclap headache may be diagnosed. Here are the description, diagnostic criteria, and other information from the International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition, the gold standard for diagnosing and classifying headache disorders:

4.6 Primary thunderclap headache

Previously used terms: Benign thunderclap headache

Coded elsewhere:

4.2 Primary cough headache, 4.3 Primary exertional headache and 4.4 Primary headache associated with sexual activity can all present as thunderclap headache but should be coded as those headache types, not as 4.6 Primary thunderclap headache.

Description:
High-intensity headache of abrupt onset mimicking that of ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

Diagnostic criteria:

1. Severe head pain fulfilling criteria B and C
2. Both of the following characteristics:
   1. sudden onset, reaching maximum intensity in less than 1 minute
   2. lasting from 1 hour to 10 days
3. Does not recur regularly over subsequent weeks or months (Note 1)
4. Not attributed to another disorder (Note 2)

Notes:

1. Headache may recur within the first week after onset.
2. Normal CSF and normal brain imaging are required.

Comment:
Evidence that thunderclap headache exists as a primary condition is poor: the search for an underlying cause should be expedient and exhaustive. Thunderclap headache is frequently associated with serious vascular intracranial disorders, particularly subarachnoid haemorrhage: it is mandatory to exclude this and a range of other such conditions including intracerebral haemorrhage, cerebral venous thrombosis, unruptured vascular malformation (mostly aneurysm), arterial dissection (intra- and extracranial), CNS angiitis, reversible benign CNS angiopathy and pituitary apoplexy. Other organic causes of thunderclap headache are colloid cyst of the third ventricle, CSF hypotension and acute sinusitis (particularly with barotrauma). 4.6 Primary thunderclap headache should be the diagnosis only when all organic causes have been excluded.

As you can see from the comments in the IHS material, it is vitally important that all organic causes of TCH be ruled out before diagnosing primary TCH. Broner et al observed TCH as a presenting symptom of myocardial infarction (heart attack).²

Summary
Thunderclap headache is most commonly a symptom of an organic cause such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, myocardial infarction, or others. Since these primary conditions can be life threatening, it is vitally important that all possible organic causes be carefully ruled out before diagnosing idiopathic or primary thunderclap headache.

For the patient who experiences TCH, it is essential to seek medical care immediately.

____________
Resources:

¹ The International Headache Society. "The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition." Cephalalgia 2004; 24 suppl 1:1-160.

² Broner, Susan, MD; Lay, Christine, MD; Newman, Lawrence, MD; Swerdlow, Michael, MD. "Thunderclap Headache as the Presenting Symptom of Myocardial Infarction." Headache. 2007;47:724–725. DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.00795_1.x.

³ Dodick, David W., MD. "Thunderclap Headache." Headache. 2002;42:309-315

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© Teri Robert, 2011. Last updated February 9, 2011.

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