Thunderclap HeadacheThunderclap headache is often described as "The worst headache of my life". The hallmark is very sudden onset - within 1-2 minutes. Molecules adhere to the inner lining of a bloodvessel in the brain causing sudden vasocontriction - narrowing - what is known as stenosis and "beading", except that (as with most acute conditions of sudden onset), angiographic findings of this condition show that this beading is reversible. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction SyndromeRCVS is characterised by severe headache starting very suddenly after the following triggers:
It is more common in women. Aggravating factors
Other causesAn inflammation of an artery in the brain, called Central Nervous System Vasculitis, should be ruled out, though it classically does not cause such sudden onset. However, it is more serious as, unlike RCVS, it is not reversible.A bleed within the brain (type of stroke), called a Subarachnoid haemorrage, can also cause headache of sudden onset. These conditions are ruled out with a lumbar puncture to test the fluid in the cerebrospinal fluid and an MRI. In the Chiropractic settingHeadache, including severe headache, is a common complaint in the Chiropractic Clinic.If your chiropractor feels it would be wise to treat you very conservatively for a severe headache, please do not pressure him or her to perform a manipulation. The hardest part in health care is to know when to hold back with treatment. When you have a hammer in your hand, everything likes like a nail! PreventionAll of us, ALL OF US, that includes YOU AND ME!, need to be following a healthy diet that prevents molecules from sticking to the blood vessel walls, and keeps these walls glistening clean and smooth.That means, inter alia
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