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Exploding Head Syndrome: a Review

  • Episodic Migraine (S Nahas, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To explain our current understanding of exploding head syndrome (EHS), an unusual and underreported sensory parasomnia.

Recent Findings

Based on findings from recent studies of EHS, the prevalence is higher than previously suggested by the literature, which historically has consisted mostly of case reports. The typical presentation also has been better illustrated by recent case series, and diagnostic criteria have been defined. Its pathophysiology is still unclear.

Summary

EHS is underrecognized and its symptoms are alarming, but a review of our current state of knowledge will allow physicians to make a diagnosis of this benign condition with greater confidence.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance•• Of major Importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jefferson Headache Center, 900 Walnut Street, Suite, Philadelphia, PA, 200, USA

    Claire E. J. Ceriani & Stephanie J. Nahas

Authors
  1. Claire E. J. Ceriani
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  2. Stephanie J. Nahas
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Claire E. J. Ceriani.

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Conflict of Interest

Claire Ceriani declares no conflict of interest. Dr. Nahas reports personal fees from Allergan, Amgen, electroCore, Ely Lilly, Avanir, and Supernus, all outside of the submitted work.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Episodic Migraine

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Ceriani, C.E.J., Nahas, S.J. Exploding Head Syndrome: a Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 22, 63 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-018-0717-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-018-0717-1

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