Hypnic headache: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Hypnic headache
| synonyms        = Alarm clock headache
| field          = [[Neurology]]
| symptoms        = [[Headache]] occurring during sleep, waking the person
| onset          = Typically occurs in individuals over 50 years old
| duration        = 15 to 180 minutes
| frequency      = Can occur nightly
| causes          = Unknown
| risks          = Age, possibly [[caffeine]] withdrawal
| diagnosis      = Based on clinical history and exclusion of other causes
| differential    = [[Cluster headache]], [[migraine]], [[tension headache]]
| treatment      = [[Caffeine]], [[lithium]], [[indomethacin]]
| medication      = Caffeine, lithium, indomethacin
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = Rare
}}
'''Hypnic headache''' is a rare primary headache disorder that is also known as the "alarm clock headache". It is characterized by recurrent episodes of headache that occur exclusively during sleep, causing the individual to awaken.  
'''Hypnic headache''' is a rare primary headache disorder that is also known as the "alarm clock headache". It is characterized by recurrent episodes of headache that occur exclusively during sleep, causing the individual to awaken.  
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The main symptom of a hypnic headache is a dull headache that wakes a person from sleep. The headache can occur on one or both sides of the head. It can last for 15 minutes to 4 hours. Other symptoms may include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and restlessness.
The main symptom of a hypnic headache is a dull headache that wakes a person from sleep. The headache can occur on one or both sides of the head. It can last for 15 minutes to 4 hours. Other symptoms may include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and restlessness.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
The exact cause of hypnic headaches is unknown. Some researchers believe they may be related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Others believe they may be related to changes in blood flow in the brain.
The exact cause of hypnic headaches is unknown. Some researchers believe they may be related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Others believe they may be related to changes in blood flow in the brain.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of hypnic headache is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. A doctor may also order tests such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out other causes of the headaches.
Diagnosis of hypnic headache is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. A doctor may also order tests such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out other causes of the headaches.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for hypnic headaches includes medications to prevent the headaches and to treat them when they occur. Lifestyle changes such as regular sleep patterns and avoiding caffeine may also help.
Treatment for hypnic headaches includes medications to prevent the headaches and to treat them when they occur. Lifestyle changes such as regular sleep patterns and avoiding caffeine may also help.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Headache]]
* [[Headache]]
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* [[Cluster headache]]
* [[Cluster headache]]
* [[Tension headache]]
* [[Tension headache]]
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Headaches]]
[[Category:Headaches]]
[[Category:Sleep disorders]]
[[Category:Sleep disorders]]

Latest revision as of 23:01, 3 April 2025


Hypnic headache
Synonyms Alarm clock headache
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Headache occurring during sleep, waking the person
Complications N/A
Onset Typically occurs in individuals over 50 years old
Duration 15 to 180 minutes
Types N/A
Causes Unknown
Risks Age, possibly caffeine withdrawal
Diagnosis Based on clinical history and exclusion of other causes
Differential diagnosis Cluster headache, migraine, tension headache
Prevention N/A
Treatment Caffeine, lithium, indomethacin
Medication Caffeine, lithium, indomethacin
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Hypnic headache is a rare primary headache disorder that is also known as the "alarm clock headache". It is characterized by recurrent episodes of headache that occur exclusively during sleep, causing the individual to awaken.

Symptoms[edit]

The main symptom of a hypnic headache is a dull headache that wakes a person from sleep. The headache can occur on one or both sides of the head. It can last for 15 minutes to 4 hours. Other symptoms may include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and restlessness.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of hypnic headaches is unknown. Some researchers believe they may be related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Others believe they may be related to changes in blood flow in the brain.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of hypnic headache is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. A doctor may also order tests such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out other causes of the headaches.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for hypnic headaches includes medications to prevent the headaches and to treat them when they occur. Lifestyle changes such as regular sleep patterns and avoiding caffeine may also help.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

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