Exploding head syndrome

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is an <a href="/facts/Parasomnia/4Nd76vew">abnormal sensory perception during sleep</a> in which a person experiences <a href="/facts/Auditory_hallucination/87K8Skts">auditory hallucinations</a> that are loud and of short duration when falling <a href="/facts/Asleep/0bSDElWc">asleep</a> or <a href="/facts/Waking_up/0bSDElWc">waking up</a>. The noise may be frightening, typically occurs only occasionally, and is not a serious health concern. People may also experience a flash of light. Pain is typically absent.
The cause is unknown. Potential organic explanations that have been investigated but ruled out include ear problems, <a href="/facts/Temporal_lobe_seizure/PgztEb3B">temporal lobe seizure</a>, nerve dysfunction, or specific <a href="/facts/Mutation/Ee4NnWbY">genetic changes</a>. Potential risk factors include <a href="/facts/Psychological_stress/eqat8pq9">psychological stress</a>. It is classified as a <a href="/facts/Sleep_disorder/jFdkz1Pr">sleep disorder</a> or <a href="/facts/Headache_disorder/mdmmC9DP">headache disorder</a>. People often go undiagnosed.
There is no high-quality evidence to support treatment. Reassurance may be sufficient. <a href="/facts/Clomipramine/wnhL4NfS">Clomipramine</a> and <a href="/facts/Calcium_channel_blockers/st91pD2K">calcium channel blockers</a> have been tried. While the frequency of the condition is not well studied, some have estimated that it occurs in about 10% of people. Women are reportedly more commonly affected. The condition was initially described at least as early as 1876. The current name came into use in 1988.

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Exploding head syndrome