“Thunderclap” Migraines

Sounds similar to my experience with trigeminal neuralgia.

Hi, @fightingfibro0505 - This topic on thunderclap migraines/headaches merits discussion and input from Connect members.

Tagging some members who have mentioned this type of headache for their input on dealing with the electric shock feeling in your head, fightingfibro0505: @briarrose @jola13 @lilyabbyjr14 @pamclark. @clappies1990 @fromthehill @jenniferhunter also may have thoughts for you on managing these painful headaches.

While waiting for these members to respond, I thought this Mayo Clinic information might be useful:

- Thunderclap headaches
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thunderclap-headaches/symptoms-causes/syc-20378361
How is this going for you, fightingfibro0505? Are you still experiencing the electric shock type sensations you mentioned?

Yes, this health emergency deserves further discussion. Especially since so many folks have no idea what you are talking about when you say "I had to go to the ER, I had a thunderclap headache." Most folks will say "thunderclap h/a? what's that?" As noted on the Mayo Clinic site there are many causes. My particular situation was as follows - I went to the gym to meet my personal trainer as usual. That AM I was really tired and NOT drinking enough water. Ending up my session, I did one very strenuous exercise...then stupidly I decided to do the punching bag.
Mind you, I had fatigue plus I was dehydrated. My PT (who I longer see) never advised me NOT to continue or to get my water bottle - which, again, I stupidly left in my locker, huge mistake, not sure why I did that.
I love the punching bag, great stress reliever so I went pretty heavy on it. Suddenly, without warning, BAM!!!
My head felt like it was going to explode! I started screaming...my PT didn't look to upset and stood there. I yelled at him to call 911. He actually thought it was nothing serious. EMTs came and took my blood pressure, I didn't want to know the numbers but they said it was sky high - a hypertensive crisis. My PT said "does she really need to go to the hospital?". The female EMT said, quite firmly "yes, she certainly does". I had to go out the back door so the other people working out didn't see me. In the ER I got IV medications...one I had a reaction to. I felt I was losing consciousness. Slowly my B/P came down but it took awhile. Moral of my story?
When working out, drink plenty of water. If feeling tired, don't push yourself, PACE yourself. Clearly my thunderclap h/a could have been avoided. But I was simply not thinking straight that day. I know better.
Also, did you know that orgasms can also bring on a thunderclap? I didn't know this until I read up on more causes. So I have to be careful with my husband...I won't chance it. It was a horrific experience. I was 65 at the time and I figured I had enough orgasms during my life. So that part of my life ended. But no biggie, I had to accept it. I am now 70 and never had another one. Stay hydrated, watch your blood pressure and don't push yourself during exercise...the other causes of a thunderclap are so very serious. However, fightingfibro0505, I would not describe the pain of a thunderclap as "electric shock" like. The pain is like an explosive going off in your brain. I also have migraines and have had "brain spasms" which are actually migraines called "Periodic Brain Spasms". They last only seconds but extremely uncomfortable. It they lasted any longer, it would be a 911 call - they are that bad. Perhaps this is what you are actually experiencing? Hope you have a good neurologist.
Best of luck to you.

@fightingfibro0505 Cervical spine issues can generate some bad headaches. Typically, muscle spasms move the vertebrate around and cause some tension in the muscles. In my case, with one side of my neck tighter because of thoracic outlet syndrome, I get one sided headaches when this happens. Getting my neck properly aligned again with my physical therapist relieves the tension and the headaches. My PT also does myofascial release which is all about releasing excess tensions.

Here is our discussion where you may learn more.
Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
There is a provider search at https://mfrtherapists.com/