[Case of exploding head syndrome].
Exploding head syndrome (EHS) attacks are characterized by the sensation of sudden loud banging noises, and are occasionally accompanied by the sensation of a flash light. Although these attacks in themselves are usually not painful, it is reported that EHS attacks may precede migraines and may be perceived as auras. A 53-year-old woman, with a 40-year history of fulgurating migraines, experienced 2 different types of EHS attacks. During most of the attacks, which were not painful, she heard sounds like someone yelling or cars passing by. Only 1 episode was accompanied with the sensation of a flash light and of sounds similar to those of an electrical short circuit. On the video-polysomnography, video-polysomnography showed 11 EHS attacks occurred during stage N1 and stage N2; these attacks were preceded by soft snoring. She also had moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (Apnea Hypopnea Index: 16.7) for which an oral appliance was prescribed; the EHS attacks did not recur after this treatment. The pathophysiology of EHS is still unclear. A detailed analysis of PSG data may help in understanding the pathophysiology of this syndrome and also in the selection of therapeutic strategies.
Okura
Mutsumi
M
Sleep Medical Center, Osaka Kaisei Hospital, 1-6-10 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-city 532-0003, Japan.
Taniguchi
Mitsutaka
M
Muraki
Hisae
H
Sugita
Hideko
H
Ohi
Motoharu
M
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020325:Migraine with Aura / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D020447:Parasomnias / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D017286:Polysomnography; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome