Exploding head syndrome

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a sleep or headache disorder, and a parasomnia. It occurs when a person falls asleep or wakes up and hears brief, loud auditory hallucinations, often like explosions or thunder. Episodes are usually painless and considered harmless, but can be frightening and disrupt sleep. Its cause is unknown. Lack of sleep, anxiety, stress and some medications have been shown to trigger episodes in affected people.

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Classification

Sleep disorder or headache disorder

Main symptom

Loud auditory hallucinations at sleep onset or waking

Pain

Typically absent