Exploding Head Syndrome as Aura of Migraine with Brainstem Aura: A Case Report

J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2018;32(2):e34-e36. doi: 10.11607/ofph.1950.

Abstract

This article reports a case of exploding head syndrome (EHS) as an aura of migraine with brainstem aura (MBA). A middle-aged man presented with intermittent episodes of a brief sensation of explosion in the head, visual flashing, vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, confusion, ataxia, dysarthria, and bilateral visual impairment followed by migraine headache. The condition was diagnosed as MBA. Explosive head sensation, sensory phenomena, and headaches improved over time with nortriptyline. This case shows that EHS can present as a primary aura symptom in patients with MBA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Stem*
  • Explosions*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine with Aura / diagnosis*
  • Migraine with Aura / drug therapy
  • Nortriptyline / therapeutic use
  • Sensation Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Sensation Disorders / drug therapy
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Nortriptyline