What Causes Thunderclap Headaches?

Encephalitis

Encephalitis refers to inflammation in the brain. While there are multiple possible causes, it's most commonly caused by a viral infection. Oftentimes, patients only experience mild flu-like symptoms until neurological problems or thunderclap headaches manifest. Encephalitis can cause patients to have confused thoughts, seizures, issues with motor function, or problems with their senses. It's rare for encephalitis to be life-threatening, but it's also important to diagnose and treat the condition as soon as possible. There's no way to tell exactly how the inflammation will affect each patient. A thunderclap headache indicates encephalitis is having severe effects on the brain, possibly including life-threatening complications. Other symptoms of severe encephalitis include agitation, hallucinations, paralysis in certain parts of the body and face, loss of sensation in certain parts of the body, muscle weakness, trouble hearing or speaking, and total loss of consciousness. Young children and infants may have bulging in their skull's soft spots, stiffness, nausea, and vomiting.

Get more details on what can result in thunderclap headaches now.