Exploding head syndrome: new observations

Eur J Neurol. 2020 Nov;27(11):2333-2335. doi: 10.1111/ene.14464. Epub 2020 Aug 26.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The etiology of 'exploding head syndrome' (EHS) is currently highly controversial and its management is unknown. The object was to explore these.

Methods: This observational study describes my personal experience of EHS and discusses its implications.

Results: I experienced, while suffering from EHS, recurrent episodes of transient cardiac arrests due to sick sinus syndrome. Implantation of a cardiac pacemaker resulted in immediate, dramatic, permanent cessation of both cardiac arrest episodes and EHS. This has not been reported previously.

Conclusions: This striking temporal relationship indicates a possible association between EHS and sick sinus syndrome.

Keywords: Holter monitor; cardiac asystole; cardiac pacemaker implantation; exploding head syndrome; sick sinus syndrome.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Parasomnias*
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome