Explosive bomb-like sensation – ‘like a thunderclap’ – coming from the back of the head. Not a morning-after-the-night-before feeling or pain in the head, but an unexplained loud noise occurring during sleep. Sufferers are mostly women, middle-aged or elderly, with no other symptoms and usually in good health.
Described as “seems as if my head was bursting, with a flash of light”. Reaction is one of fear and violent heart beat. Attacks unrelated to alcohol or excitement of the previous evening. No circulatory changes in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid are known to cause such a symptom.
Treatment. Cup of one of the following teas at bedtime: Buckwheat, Yarrow, Hawthorn flowers, Skullcap, Oats. Morning and evening: one 500mg Evening Primrose capsule; one 400iu Vitamin E capsule.
Diet: low-salt. Cholesterol-rich foods should be kept to a minimum.
The persistent, rhythmic banging of the head against a wall or hard object. Head-banging is seen in some people with severe learning difficulties, particularly those who lack stimulation. It also occurs in some normal toddlers, often when they are frustrated or angry; most children grow out of the behaviour.... head-banging
(EHS, episodic cranial sensory shock) an auditory *hallucination, characterized by the perception of a sudden loud noise in the head or ears, that is experienced during a transition between sleep stages. The cause is not currently known.... exploding head syndrome
a manoeuvre for opening the airway of an unconscious patient. With the patient lying on his or her back, the neck is extended and the chin simultaneously pulled gently upwards to pull the tongue away from the back of the pharynx. This method is often used when mouth-to-mouth ventilation is to be given and is an alternative to the *jaw thrust manoeuvre.... head tilt, chin lift