Mars Jonathan A., Khan Isra, Slowik Jennifer M.
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS) is a benign parasomnia characterized by the perception of a sudden loud noise during sleep, leading to abrupt awakening. These episodes occur during the transition between wake-sleep and sleep-wake periods and typically last less than a second. Patients often report flashes of light and distress during episodes, although significant pain is not present, which is an essential criterion for diagnosis. Although the perceived sounds are commonly described as explosions, gunshots, or thunder, they can be almost any loud noise. The frequency of episodes varies, with some individuals experiencing prolonged remission between episodes. EHS may be more common when sleeping in the supine position. EHS was first described in medical literature in 1876 by American neurologist Silas Weir Mitchell, who documented 2 patients experiencing nocturnal sensations of loud sounds, which he termed "sensory shocks." Although EHS had been described in earlier case reports, it was not officially recognized as a sleep disorder until 2005, when it was included in the (). The term "episodic cranial sensory shock" has also been proposed to describe this phenomenon. Many patients may find the experience frightening, especially if they are unaware of its benign nature. Patients often fear a more serious underlying cause, such as a stroke, brain tumor, or brain hemorrhage, leading them to seek medical evaluation. However, EHS is frequently underdiagnosed and underreported, as patients may feel embarrassed discussing their symptoms, and healthcare providers may be unfamiliar with the condition. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's , the diagnostic criteria for EHS include: A sudden perception of a loud noise or explosive sensation in the head, which occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep or upon awakening during the night. An abrupt arousal following the event, which is often accompanied by a sense of fear or distress. The experience is not associated with significant pain.
爆炸头综合征（EHS）是一种良性异态睡眠，其特征是在睡眠期间感觉到突然的巨响，导致突然惊醒。这些发作发生在清醒-睡眠和睡眠-清醒阶段的过渡期间，通常持续不到一秒钟。患者在发作期间常报告有闪光和痛苦感，尽管不存在明显疼痛，这是诊断的一项重要标准。尽管感觉到的声音通常被描述为爆炸声、枪声或雷声，但它们几乎可以是任何巨响。发作频率各不相同，一些人在发作之间会有较长时间的缓解期。仰卧位睡眠时，EHS可能更常见。1876年，美国神经学家西拉斯·韦尔·米切尔首次在医学文献中描述了EHS，他记录了2名患者夜间有巨响的感觉，他将其称为“感觉性休克”。尽管在早期的病例报告中已经描述了EHS，但直到2005年它才被正式确认为一种睡眠障碍，当时它被纳入了（）。“发作性颅部感觉性休克”这一术语也被提出来描述这种现象。许多患者可能会觉得这种经历很可怕，尤其是如果他们不知道其良性性质的话。患者常常担心有更严重的潜在病因，如中风、脑肿瘤或脑出血，这导致他们寻求医疗评估。然而，EHS经常被漏诊和漏报，因为患者可能会因讨论症状而感到尴尬，而且医疗服务提供者可能不熟悉这种病症。根据美国睡眠医学学会的（），EHS的诊断标准包括：在从清醒到睡眠的过渡期间或夜间醒来时，突然感觉到头部有巨响或爆炸感。事件发生后突然觉醒，通常伴有恐惧或痛苦感。这种经历与明显疼痛无关。
