Exploding Head Syndrome Migraines Connection

The Relationship Between EHS (Exploding Head Syndrome) and Migraines

Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS) and migraines are two
enigmatic neurological conditions that continue to perplex both medical professionals and patients alike.
Although these conditions manifest differently, recent studies have revealed an intriguing association between
them. This article delves into the depths of this mysterious link, exploring the similarities, differences, and
potential underlying mechanisms that tie Exploding Head
Syndrome and migraines
together.

Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS): What You Need to Know

Definition and Characteristics of EHS

Exploding Head Syndrome is a rare and relatively
understudied sleep disorder characterized by sudden, loud noises or explosive sensations perceived during the
transition from wakefulness to sleep or upon waking up. These auditory hallucinations are often described as
sounding like a loud bang, crash, or explosion and can be distressing for those experiencing them. Some people
may also report seeing bright flashes of light during these episodes. It’s essential to understand that EHS is
unrelated to any external stimuli, and the noises or sensations are entirely perceived in the person’s mind.
Despite its alarming name, EHS is not harmful and typically lasts only a few seconds. However, its shocking
nature can lead to anxiety and sleep disturbances in affected individuals.

EHS Symptoms and Incidence

EHS episodes generally happen when a person is going from
being awake to sleeping or just starting to wake up. They don’t last very long, usually between a few seconds
and a minute. Some people only have them once in a while, while others may have them more often. Exploding Head
Syndrome is more common in women, and it usually starts when they are young adults, but it can happen to people
of any age. No one knows for sure what causes EHS, but worry, anxiety, and sleep behavior disorders have been
mentioned as possible causes.

Diagnosis and Differentiation from Other Conditions

Diagnosing Exploding Head Syndrome can be challenging due
to its rare and transient nature. A thorough medical history, including a description of the symptoms, is
essential for differentiating EHS from other sleep disorders or auditory conditions. Common conditions that may
resemble EHS include sleep-related hallucinations, sleep starts (hypnic jerks), and tinnitus (perception of
ringing in the ears). A polysomnography or sleep study may be conducted to rule out other sleep-related
disorders.

Understanding Migraines

Defining Migraines and Their Subtypes

Migraines are a prevalent and often debilitating
neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and severe headaches. The pain is usually localized to one side
of the head and is often described as throbbing or pulsating. In addition to the headache, migraines can be
accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and
sensitivity to sound (phonophobia). Some individuals may also experience visual disturbances known as auras,
which can include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary vision loss. Migraines can be classified into two
main subtypes: migraine with aura and migraine without aura, based on the presence or absence of these visual
disturbances.

Migraine Triggers and Pathophysiology

Migraines are believed to result from abnormal brain
activity that affects blood vessels and neurotransmitters. During a migraine attack, there is a constriction and
dilation of blood vessels in the brain, leading to changes in blood flow and inflammation. The release of
various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, also plays a role in the development of migraines.
Migraine triggers can vary widely from person to person. They may include stress, hormonal changes, certain
foods (e.g., caffeine, chocolate, aged cheeses), lack of sleep, changes in weather, and environmental
factors.

Migraine Phases

Migraine attacks are typically divided into four phases:
prodrome, aura (if present), headache, and postdrome. The prodrome phase may precede the onset of migraine by
hours or even days and is characterized by subtle changes in mood, energy levels, and appetite. The aura phase,
experienced by about 1 in 4 migraineurs, involves neurological symptoms that develop gradually over minutes and
can last up to an hour. The headache phase is the most recognizable and painful stage of the migraine attack,
while the postdrome phase is the recovery period, during which individuals may feel exhausted or experience a
sense of relief.

The Connection between EHS and Migraines

Prevalence and Co-occurrence of EHS and Migraines

At first look, Exploding
Head Syndrome and migraines may seem to be two different things.
However, researchers have started to find a possible link between the two. Several studies have found that
people with EHS are more likely to get headaches and vice versa. This suggests that the causes or risk factors
for both conditions are similar. When these conditions happen at the same time, it makes you wonder if they
might be caused by the same things.

Shared Neurological Mechanisms

One reason why Exploding Head Syndrome and migraines might
be related is that both involve the trigeminal nerve, which is a cranial nerve that is important in both
diseases. The trigeminal nerve is in charge of sending information from the face to the brain, including pain
messages. If this nerve isn’t working right, it could be causing both the sudden hearing feelings that come with
EHS and the throbbing headaches that come with migraines.

Also, neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and
glutamate are involved in both diseases. When these neurotransmitters are out of balance, they can change how
you feel pain, mess up your senses, and make it hard to sleep, all of which are typical symptoms of both EHS and
migraines.

Stress as a Common Trigger

Furthermore, the part that stress plays in this setting is
not something that can be ignored. It is well-established that EHS episodes and migraines can both be brought on
by stress. The body’s “fight-or-flight” reaction can be triggered when stress levels are too high. This can
result in an increase in cortisol levels and has the potential to set off aberrant brain activity, which is
related to EHS and migraines. Because it can throw off sleep patterns and make the neurological dysfunction
that’s already there worse, chronic stress may also play a role in the development of these illnesses as well as
the severity of their symptoms.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

Genetic predisposition and environmental factors may also
play a role in the co-occurrence of EHS and migraines. Certain genes involved in sensory perception and pain
processing may be shared between the two conditions, making some individuals more susceptible to experiencing
both. Moreover, environmental factors such as exposure to loud noises, trauma, and changes in sleep patterns
could potentially contribute to the development or exacerbation of EHS and migraines.

Exploring the Sleep Connection

Sleep Disorders and EHS

Both Exploding Head Syndrome and headaches are linked to
changes in the way people sleep. Due to the fear of repeated episodes, EHS can cause anxiety and make it hard to
fall asleep, while migraines can make it hard to sleep and lead to insomnia. Sleep problems can make both
conditions worse, which can lead to a vicious circle where Exploding Head Syndrome episodes and migraine attacks
get worse because the person isn’t getting enough sleep.

Sleep Deprivation and Migraines

Research has shown that you are more likely to get
migraines if you don’t get enough sleep or your sleep-wake cycles aren’t normal. In the same way, not getting
enough sleep or having a sleep problem has been linked to the start and severity of
Exploding Head Syndrome. So, it seems likely that disrupted sleep
patterns may be a similar factor that causes both of these conditions to happen at the same time.

Treatment and Management

Migraine Treatment

Treatment choices right now focus on managing individual
symptoms. There are many ways to treat migraines, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription
medications (like triptans), lifestyle changes (like figuring out and preventing triggers), and preventive
measures (like beta-blockers and anti-seizure drugs). Stress management methods, like relaxation exercises and
being more aware of the present moment, can also help reduce the number and severity of migraines.

EHS Management

When it comes to EHS, reassurance and education are
important parts of how to deal with the disease. Knowing that EHS is usually harmless and not a sign of a more
serious medical problem can help reduce the worry and fear that come with the episodes. Good sleep hygiene, like
keeping a regular sleep plan, making a calming bedtime routine, and limiting exposure to stimuli before bedtime,
can also help reduce the number of EHS episodes.

Conclusion

Exploding Head Syndrome and migraines are two intriguing
neurological conditions that share an intricate relationship. While their exact connection remains elusive, the
evidence suggests common underlying factors such as trigeminal nerve involvement, neurotransmitter imbalances,
and disrupted sleep patterns. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors may also contribute to the
co-occurrence of these conditions. As research continues to uncover the mysteries surrounding these enigmatic
conditions, healthcare
professionals can better tailor their treatment approaches to
improve the lives of individuals affected by EHS and migraines. Through increased awareness and continued
scientific exploration, we can strive to unlock the secrets of these conditions, providing hope for those
seeking relief from their debilitating effects.

FAQs

Exploding Head Syndrome While Awake

Whether you’ve been dealing with sleep disturbances for years or recently began experiencing troubling symptoms, the sleep disorder called exploding head syndrome (EHS) can be extremely frightening and disruptive. While the cause is still largely unknown, and little medical research has been conducted on it, current theories offer some insight into what may trigger EHS episodes – find out more here.

What is exploding head syndrome?

Exploding head syndrome was initially described in 1876; however, it was not officially classified as a sleep disorder until 2005. EHS is considered parasomnia, a disruptive type of sleep disorder in the same category as sleepwalking and sleep terrors. 

While it may sound like the title of a sci-fi movie, exploding head syndrome is an actual medical condition that causes loud noises in your head when falling asleep or waking up. These noises range from scary imaginary explosions to claps, bangs, roars, screeches, gunfire sounds, and more. Even if this phenomenon isn’t as widely discussed as other sleep conditions, such as narcolepsy or insomnia, many people suffer from it but don’t know its name. 

Experts say, “These events occur during the wake-sleep/sleep-wake transition period and generally last less than a second. Events are often accompanied by flashes of light and patient distress, but there is no significant associated pain.”

While it sounds painful, it’s good to understand that other than disturbing sleep and perhaps causing emotional distress, the jarring noises aren’t real and do not cause physical harm to the person experiencing them or anyone nearby. 

Thankfully, the prevalence of EHS is relatively low. About 10 percent of people may experience this at least once in their lifetime. However, some encounter the symptoms sporadically.

Symptoms of exploding head syndrome

While there aren’t many symptoms, the ones that occur can be frightening and confusing, especially when experiencing them for the first time. 

To become diagnosed with exploding head syndrome, someone must meet all of the following criteria, according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. 

  1. Complaints of loud noises or sensations that mimic the effects of an explosion in the head during transition periods between sleep and wakefulness.
  1. Feelings of intense arousal, and possibly fright, following these episodes.
  1. No significant physical pain during or following the episodes.

Others may encounter flashes of light and twitching muscles. Overall, the experience only lasts about one second, although people might feel like it was longer. Although there are hypothesized causes, there is no single known cause for this sleep disorder. 

Can exploding head syndrome occur while awake?

Simply put, no, exploding head syndrome does not occur while awake. Because these episodes happen during the transition between sleeping and waking, to many, it seems as if they experience EHS while awake. The symptoms of the sleep disorder are what rouse people to wake up, often startled and confused. 

Conclusion

If you’ve ever woken up to a loud noise that seems to be coming from inside your head, you may have experienced exploding head syndrome. Although it can be frightening, especially if you’ve never experienced it before, exploding head syndrome is not harmful. If you’re experiencing sleep problems or disorders, contact the caring team at Gwinnett Sleep to help. They will work with you to find a solution so you can get the restful night’s sleep you deserve.

How to Stop Exploding Head Syndrome ?

Do you experience loud explosions in your head just as you are fading off to sleep? Are these episodes accompanied by flashes of light and intense fear? If yes, then you may have exploding head syndrome (EHS). While researchers hypothesize why this strange sleep disorder occurs, there is no simple explanation as to why about 10% of the population experience it at one point in their lives. This unexplained phenomenon can be highly distressing for those affected. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to help stop EHS from occurring and get some much-needed restful sleep. 

How to know if you have exploding head syndrome

Exploding head syndrome is a type of sleep disorder that occurs suddenly, either when you are beginning to fall asleep or when you wake up in the middle of the night. This sleep disorder is characterized by hearing a loud noise or crashing sound in your head, which is not authentic or heard by anyone else. Along with the sound, EHS can also cause the patient to see flashes of light and experience muscle spasms. Unlike the name suggests, these episodes are not painful.

According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, the following criteria are symptoms someone must experience to be diagnosed with exploding head syndrome. 

  1. Complaints of loud noises or sensations that mimic the effects of an explosion in the head during transition periods between sleep and wakefulness.
  2. Feelings of intense arousal, and possibly fright, following these episodes.
  3. No significant physical pain during or following the episodes.

Fortunately, the entire episode only lasts one to two seconds, even though it can seem long to those who encounter them. 

If you think you may have exploding head syndrome, please seek a diagnosis with a licensed sleep specialist; do not simply assume this is what you are experiencing. Other medical conditions have these same symptoms. 

Available treatments for exploding head syndrome

As stated previously, a direct cause has not yet been connected to exploding head syndrome; however, there are a few theories researchers believe may be true, such as: 

  • A temporary increase in the activity of your brain’s sensory neurons
  • Damage or dysfunction in your inner ear structures
  • Abnormal attention processing in your brain during the sleep-wake transition
  • An aura that occurs before a migraine
  • Side effects from suddenly stopping selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 

While the FDA has officially approved nothing, some sleep specialists prescribe a few different medications known to treat the symptoms of EHS. These are topiramate, nifedipine, amitriptyline, and clomipramine, which are all used to treat other conditions. 

ConclusionAs an alternative or in addition to medication, people with EHS can do some things at home to help stop the disorder. Practice de-stressing techniques such as yoga, meditation, baths, or reading before bed. Keeping good sleep habits may also help reduce or stop the symptoms.

Ultimately, speaking to a sleep specialist before attempting any at-home remedy is wise. Be 100% sure EHS is what is going on and not something else more dire.  

Conclusion

Exploding head syndrome may not have one specific cause, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any possible treatments to try to stop it from happening. If you regularly experience EHS or have only had it a few times and are worried, the best option is to consult a sleep specialist who can help you create a treatment plan. At Gwinnett Sleep, our specialists are dedicated to helping our patients get the rest they need and deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you treat your sleep disorder.