Exploding Head Syndrome

WHAT IS IT?

A sleep disorder of hearing loud and explosive noises which occur in the transition period before falling asleep or waking up.

SYMPTOMS

• Hearing noises like explosions and crashes

• See flashes of light

• Elevated heart rate

• Muscle twitch/jerk

• Headache

• Sweating

• Anxiety, distress or fright

CAUSES

Not fully known yet but possible causes include:

• Movement of middle ear

• Seizures of temporal lobe

• Result of high levels of stress and anxiety

• Patients previously diagnosed with insomnia may also have higher risk

TREATMENT

• Medications include anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants

• Patients can seek consultation from sleep medicine specialists

• De-stress by meditation, counselling through therapy