BehindTheMedspeak: Exploding Head Syndrome

This wasn't included in the neurology curriculum when I was in medical school in the Dark Ages, even though it was first described in the 19th century and may have been first mentioned in the 17th century, according to Wikipedia.

Detailed discussion short from the Cleveland Clinic's 21st century website:

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a sleep disorder.

Although it sounds painful, you feel no pain.

You hear a loud noise or explosion in your head.

The sound isn't real or heard by others.

It happens as you're falling asleep or when waking up during the night.

EHS is harmless and not a sign of another serious health condition.

It usually doesn't require treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of EHS

Signs and symptoms of EHS include:

• Feeling frightened or anxious after the episode.
• Experiencing a sudden muscle jerk at the time of the episode.
• Having difficulty falling back to sleep.
• Waking up sweating, having a rapid heartbeat, and/or trouble breathing.

You don't experience physical pain with EHS.

A Note from the Cleveland Clinic

Waking up suddenly from sleep because you've heard a loud noise or an explosion in your head can certainly be frightening.

You're not alone if you think this is a symptom of a serious health condition, such as a brain tumor or stroke.

However, rest assured that there's nothing to worry about if you do have exploding head syndrome.

Your condition isn't harmful and should completely go away with time.