@article{ref1,
title="Characteristic symptoms and associated features of exploding head syndrome in undergraduates",
journal="Cephalalgia",
year="2018",
author="Sharpless, Brian A.",
volume="38",
number="3",
pages="595-599",
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. <br><br>METHODS A cross-sectional study of 49 undergraduates with EHS was performed. A clinical interview established diagnosis. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0333-1024",
doi="10.1177/0333102417702128",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0333102417702128"
}