Doctor warns about 'thunderclap headache' that means you need to go to hospital immediately

A doctor has shared the warning signs which could suggest your headache is something much more sinister.

Nothing puts a downer on a day like noticing you're getting a headache.

Usually, the pain is brought on by something straightforward such as dehydration, a hangover, or eye strain - which means that taking a painkiller and chugging a load of water will do the trick.

But are you aware of the differences between a typical headache and a symptom of something that could prove way more dangerous?

Well, look no further, because it was recently highlighted on a TikTok created by doctor and content creator Dr Joe, and we've laid out all the info below.

What is a thunderclap headache?

Medical professionals will differentiate between headaches by using terms such as tension, cluster, and sinus - with each having their own set of defining characteristics.

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'.

In the TikTok video, Dr Joe stitched another user saying he 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's no longer able to stand up.

What are the signs and symptoms of thunderclap headaches?

With thunderclap headaches, the pain will usually come on very suddenly, and it's usually characterised as extreme, peaking within 60 seconds.

Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, fever, and an altered mental state can also accompany thunderclap headaches.

"Often times people don't recognise the symptoms and just think it's a really bad headache," Dr Joe explained in the clip, before highlighting the warning symptoms which you need to look out for.

"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," he added.

Why are thunderclap headaches dangerous?

It's important to note that not every pain you get in your head requires medical attention, but thunderclap headaches are typically considered more concerning, as they 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.

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.

So, if you feel a particularly terrible headache coming on, it's always best to get it checked. The more you know!