Explosive Head Syndrome: Have You Experienced It?

Explosive head syndrome is a type of parasomnia , a special disorder related to sleep. It is about a sudden awakening during which a person feels a strong headache and hears a violent sound, just like an electric shock.

If you’ve never experienced this, it may sound very strange or unusual. But in reality, it’s a common phenomenon, and it’s usually accompanied by a panic-like feeling that’s hard to get in your mind.

Explosive head syndrome is not a pleasant experience, but it is also not a serious condition or a neurological problem. Explosive head syndrome is, in fact, closely related to anxiety and stress.

In this article, we want to raise awareness of this phenomenon that disturbs the dreams of thousands of people every night.

Explosive Head Syndrome: What Is It?

Some people think it’s like a bomb blast, while some think it’s more like a powerful shock or electric shock resembling a lightning strike. This sound is heard in the human head immediately after the transition to the first stage of sleep without explanation.

Imagine this: you are asleep until suddenly you hear a roar that wakes you up suddenly. On top of all that, this sound is accompanied by intense headaches and light in the peripheral field of view.

Man’s first thought is that he is either asleep or has lost his mind. It is neither.

Strange but common union problem

This problem was first described by Dr. Silas Weir in 1876 by recording the cases of 50 patients in his patient diary.

Explosive head syndrome is typically more common in women. Some people experience it only once in their lives, while some patients suffer from it on a daily basis.

One factor in particular should be considered in connection with this syndrome. Because the voices heard by these people do not come from outside, but rather are auditory hallucinations, many choose to keep the matter to themselves. They fear that they will be branded mentally ill. For this reason, there may be more people with explosive head syndrome, but they have not been diagnosed.

What causes explosive head syndrome?

Thus, because explosive head syndrome is a sleep disorder, it is by no means a neurological or mental illness.

To date, a few different theories have been developed regarding its origin. Keep reading.

Stress and anxiety

We currently agree on the following.

The brain disconnects the “conscious part” of the mind to fall into a deep sleep. Then suddenly an electric shock interrupts the activity of the neurons.

During stress, the brain is overactive. When it comes time to sleep, this increased “energy” does not decrease because the brain is too lively.

As soon as a person goes to sleep, this action of neurons responds with a sudden “charge” (just like a spike or energy spike) stimulating several areas of the brain: the auditor and the visual. This makes you hear the lightning strike and see the lights.

Sleep paralysis

Another point to keep in mind relates to sleep paralysis, which is another type of parasomnia. Some scientists believe that these two union problems are interrelated.

In both cases, the person feels panic and anxiety and experiences visual and auditory hallucinations.

Inner ear problem

The last theory regarding this phenomenon concerns a possible inner ear problem, especially the eardrum.

It is possible that there may be a small change, damage, or inflammation in the ear that causes auditory hallucinations and headaches.

However, this does not explain the lights seen by the patient.

Explosive head syndrome: treatment

Any union problem has a detrimental effect on quality of life. Therefore, do not delay going to the doctor if you suffer from any abnormal, bothersome or unusual ailments.

As we mentioned earlier, many fail to talk about the symptoms of exploding head syndrome out of fear or shame.

How dare I tell a doctor that I wake up in the middle of the night hearing non-existent and seeing lights?

Do not be afraid. This problem affects many and is treatable. It has medicines like clomipramine (a type of antidepressant) that work very well. In addition, it can be effective with stress- relieving techniques that help relax muscles and the mind.

Please tell your doctor about your ailments.