Head Boomers!!

  Every once in awhile while falling asleep or while in a deep sleep, I am
  awaken by a pain and noise in my head (feels like I've been punched in
  the face and sounds like an explosion).  It happens only about 6-7 times
  a year for the past 3 years.  Sometimes I can feel it coming on if I am in
  a light sleep.  My blood pressure is normal, but I do, at times, get sinus
  headaches or migraines.
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Hello Sue!
Believe it or not, you are not the only person with this very bizarre and unusual headache syndrome known as thunderclap headaches. A trial of a drug called indomethacin can be attempted if they become more frequent and/or persisitent. Otherwise, usually a one-time MRI scan of the brain will be obtained to make sure there is no evidence of a vascular malformation in the brain (the vast majority of the time there is not). I would suggest seeking care at the nearest headache clinic to your home, as they may have other additional ideas on what if any newer therapies might be available for this very rare but interesting problem. If you would be interested in an evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic Neurology Department's Headache Center, I would suggest Dr. Thomas Kunkel or Glen Solomon, both of whom have as extensive an amount of experience with this rare problem as one can have. Our number is 1-800-223-2273 (ask for headache clinic appointments). Please remember that information provided on the Neurology Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, and that the actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). We hope you find the information useful, and wish you good luck in dealing with this interesting (but harmless if MRI is normal) problem!!