Citation

Sharpless BA. Cephalalgia 2018; 38(3): 595-599.

Affiliation

American School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University, Northern Virginia, Arlington, VA 22209 USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0333102417702128

PMID

28385085

Abstract

Background Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is characterized by loud noises or a sense of explosion in the head during sleep transitions. Though relatively common, little is known about its characteristic symptoms or associated features.

METHODS A cross-sectional study of 49 undergraduates with EHS was performed. A clinical interview established diagnosis.

RESULTS The most common accompanying symptoms were tachycardia, fear, and muscle jerks/twitches with the most severe associated with respiration difficulties. Visual phenomena were more common than expected (27%). EHS episodes were perceived as having a random course, but were most likely to occur during wake-sleep transitions and when sleeping in a supine position. Only 11% reported EHS to a professional, and 8% of those with recurrent EHS attempted to prevent episodes.

CONCLUSIONS EHS episodes are complex (Mean (M) = 4.5 additional symptoms), often multisensorial, and usually associated with clinically-significant fear. They are rarely reported to professionals and treatment approaches are limited.

Language: en

Keywords

Sleep disorder; episodic cranial sensory shock; parasomnia; sleep-wake disorders