Citation

Ganguly G, Mridha B, Khan A, Rison RA. Case Rep. Neurol. 2013; 5(1): 14-17.

Affiliation

Neurological Consultants Medical Group, Los Angeles County Medical Center, University of Southern California - Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif., USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Karger Publishers)

DOI

10.1159/000346595

PMID

23467433

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a rare parasomnia in which affected individuals awaken from sleep with the sensation of a loud bang. The etiology is unknown, but other conditions including primary and secondary headache disorders and nocturnal seizures need to be excluded. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old Indian male presented with four separate episodes of awakening from sleep at night after hearing a flashing sound on the right side of his head over the last 2 years. These events were described 'as if there are explosions in my head'. A neurologic examination, imaging studies, and a polysomnogram ensued, and the results led to the diagnosis of EHS. CONCLUSION: EHS is a benign, uncommon, predominately nocturnal disorder that is self-limited. No treatment is generally required. Reassurance to the patient is often all that is needed.

Language: en