Three main symptoms of a thunderclap headache as doctor says you should 'go hospital immediately' if you recognise signs

A doctor has spoken out about a specific type of headache known as a 'thunderclap headache' and the signs that could point to it being something more sinister.

Most of us will experience headaches now and again. Although annoying, they are common, and most of the time they're harmless.

They can occur for all sorts of reasons, including dehydration, stress and having had one too many the night before.

But when does a headache become more concerning?

Well, there's a specific type of headache called a 'thunderclap headache' and it's certainly not something to ignore.

What is a thunderclap headache?

According to the NHS, a thunderclap headache is 'similar to a sudden hit on the head, resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before'.

A TikTok video by doctor and content creator, Dr. Joe, explains how to look out for a thunderclap headache and what it could mean.

Dr. Joe stitched a video from another user who could feel a pain in his head, neck, and shoulders after returning home from a fishing trip. The sensation suddenly became overwhelming, leading to the man feeling as though he was no longer able to stand up.

"Often times people don't recognise the symptoms and just think it's a really bad headache," Dr. Joe explained in the clip.

"A couple key [things] to look out for, if it's the sudden onset of the worst headache of your life - something we call a thunderclap headache - is something you need to seek medical attention for."

What are the main signs of a thunderclap headache?

Strikes suddenly

According to Mayo Clinic, a headache that strikes suddenly and severely is one of the key symptoms of a thunderclap headache.

Peaks within 60 seconds

Noticing that the headache peaks within a minute is also indicative of a thunderclap headache and should be investigated immediately.

Can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting

A sudden and severe thunderclap headache can sometimes be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which can indicate a more serious problem.

Why are thunderclap headaches dangerous?

Thunderclap headaches are serious and can be a warning-sign for life-threatening conditions.

According to guidelines outlined by the NHS, a thunderclap headache is typically associated with a burst brain aneurysm.

"A thunderclap headache is caused by the sudden introduction of blood into the subarachnoid space," they explain.

"Pain is hyper acute and increases from ‘no pain’ to maximum intensity in a matter of a few minutes."

Most brain aneurysms will go undetected, but a burst aneurysm is considered a medical emergency.

Burst aneurysms can lead to a serious condition known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage - bleeding on the surface of the brain - which can be fatal.